← Latest news 
US repatriates test mildly positive for Andes hantavirus after cruise outbreak
International
Published on 14 May 2026
One returnee is mildly positive for a deadly Andes strain
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says one of 17 Americans repatriated from the MV Hondius has tested mildly positive for the Andes strain of hantavirus, while a second passenger has mild symptoms and has not yet been confirmed. Both are being transported in biocontainment units to specialized treatment centers in the United States. The cruise outbreak has left eight people ill, with six confirmed, and multiple deaths reported by WHO, while officials say the risk of spread is low.
- One of 17 Americans tested mildly positive for Andes hantavirus
- A second symptomatic passenger has mild symptoms, not yet confirmed
- Both are transported to U.S. specialized centers in biocontainment units
- WHO update: 8 sick, 6 confirmed on the MV Hondius
- Andes strain can cause fatal lung illness in up to 50% cases
- Risk of person-to-person spread is described as low by health authorities
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times