Is Hantavirus Contagious Between People?

Q: Can hantavirus spread from person to person?

A: It depends on the strain. The vast majority of hantavirus strains — including Sin Nombre virus (the most common in the US) — do NOT spread between people. You can only catch these through rodent contact.

The exception is Andes virus, found primarily in South America. It is the only hantavirus confirmed to spread person-to-person, through prolonged close physical contact and exposure to body fluids.

Q: How contagious is Andes virus compared to COVID-19?

A: Much less contagious. COVID-19 spreads easily through brief contact and small aerosol particles in the air. Andes virus requires:

• ✓ Prolonged close contact (hours, not seconds)
• ✓ Direct physical contact or exposure to body fluids
• ✗ NOT casual contact — grocery store, elevator, public transport
• ✗ NOT through the air over distances like measles or tuberculosis

"This is not casual. You have to have prolonged contact with somebody before you can spread it to them." — Former White House COVID coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha

Q: Is hantavirus an airborne disease?

A: Partially — but not in the way COVID spreads.

• From rodents to humans: YES — inhaling aerosolized rodent droppings or urine is the primary route of infection. This is technically airborne.
• From human to human (Andes virus only): Via respiratory droplets at close range — similar to how flu spreads, but requires closer/longer contact than flu.
• Long-range airborne (like measles): NO.

Q: Should I be worried about catching hantavirus from MV Hondius passengers?

A: Unless you had prolonged close contact with a symptomatic MV Hondius passenger, your risk is extremely low. Public health authorities in multiple countries are conducting contact tracing. If you were on the ship or had close contact with a passenger, contact your national health authority.

Q: Can I get hantavirus from someone who was on the cruise ship?

A: Only if you had prolonged close physical contact with a symptomatic person from MV Hondius. Andes virus does not spread through casual contact. Sitting next to someone briefly, being in the same room, or using the same transport is considered very low risk.

Q: Which countries had hantavirus-exposed passengers from MV Hondius?

A: 23 nationalities were on board. Countries confirmed to have passengers under health surveillance include: Netherlands, United States, Germany, Spain, France, Poland, Belgium, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Switzerland, United Kingdom (Saint Helena), South Africa, and others. Contact your national health authority if you or someone you know was aboard MV Hondius between April 1 – May 10, 2026.