What Is the Status of Hantavirus in the U.S.?
Unless you've been living under a rock, hantavirus-and the cruise ship that started it all-has been impossible to ignore. As the MV Hondius finished disembarking passengers around the world, it's natural to wonder what this actually means for Americans. Right now, 16 American passengers are being monitored at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, but here's what you really need to know.
Who's Being Monitored and Where?
Sixteen American passengers from the Hondius arrived at the National Quarantine Unit in Nebraska, with another two currently monitored at Emory University in Atlanta. One of the Nebraska passengers initially tested positive and was placed in a biocontainment unit, but has since tested negative and been moved to a regular quarantine room. As of right now, none of the monitored passengers are showing symptoms or running fevers.
Beyond those in medical facilities, roughly 36 Americans across multiple states are being monitored at home after potential exposure-either because they left the cruise early or were exposed to infected passengers during air travel. States including Texas, Georgia, Arizona, Virginia, California, Maryland, New Jersey, and Washington are all tracking individuals, but according to the CDC, none have tested positive for the virus and are all asymptomatic so far.
The big question everyone's asking: how long will they be quarantined? According to Dr. Michael Wadman, medical director of the National Quarantine Unit, speaking to TODAY, the duration is still being determined by the CDC.
"That's currently being determined, and I can't give you an absolute number," he said. "It may be different for different individuals, and so we're waiting on those (CDC) assessments, and that will set the recommended quarantine intervals that they're coming through."
The World Health Organization recommends a full 42-day quarantine period-the length of the virus's incubation period. Some passengers may be allowed to leave early and self-isolate at home if they remain symptom-free, but that decision hasn't been finalized yet.
Related: Al Roker Asked By CDC to 'Voluntarily Test' While Traveling For Daughter's Wedding
What We Know About the Andes Strain of the Hantavirus
This outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, the only type known to spread from person to person (though it still primarily spreads through close contact). The virus can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe respiratory illness that can be fatal. Symptoms can take up to 42 days to appear after exposure, which is why the long quarantine period is necessary.
So far, there are 10 confirmed or probable cases linked to the Hondius, including three deaths. About 150 people were exposed aboard the ship.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Hantavirus?
Early symptoms may include:
- Fever and chills
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea or abdominal distress
Later symptoms (4-10 days) may include:
- Coughing
- Tightness in the chest
- Fluid in the lungs
- Respiratory failure
Related: U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Beloved Island Destination Over Virus Outbreak
What's the Risk to You?
Here's the reassuring part: the CDC says the risk to the general American public remains "extremely low." The Andes virus is linked to rodents in South America, and those rodents haven't been found in the United States. There are no confirmed cases of the Andes strain among Americans outside those being monitored.
The CDC is "engaged at every step," according to David Fitter, the agency's incident manager for the hantavirus response. Remember, hantavirus isn't new to the infectious disease world, and officials seem confident in their response strategy.
Bottom line: stay informed, but don't panic.
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This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 11:30 AM.