Last Updated: June 4, 2026 | This post will be updated as the situation evolves.

Are you or your health department actively engaged in responding to this outbreak? We want to hear from you. NACCHO is collecting information from members about: What role your LHD is playing in monitoring, responding to, or communicating about the Andes virus / hantavirus situation; and any gaps in federal support or resources that NACCHO can help elevate or advocate for on your behalf. Please fill out this form to let us know- hearing from you directly helps NACCHO better advocate for the resources and federal support that LHDs need—and ensures your work is visible and recognized.

As the Andes virus outbreak linked to cruise ship travel continues to develop, NACCHO is actively monitoring the situation and working to ensure local health departments (LHDs) have the information and resources they need to respond. 

Why Local Health Departments Matter in This Response

LHDs are often the first line of defense when a new public health threat emerges. In a situation like this one, LHDs field community questions, coordinate with local hospitals and clinics, and support returning travelers as they monitor for possible symptoms. LHDs are essential partners in ensuring an effective and timely public health response.

NACCHO is committed to supporting that work. We will continue to track this situation and update this post as new information becomes available. Please reach out to NACCHO if you are engaged in this response (details below).

Current Situation: What We Know

On May 2, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) was notified of a cluster of severe acute respiratory illness among passengers and crew aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. The causative pathogen has been confirmed as Andes virus, a type of hantavirus that can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)—a severe, potentially fatal respiratory disease.

As of May 27, 2026:

• 13 cases (11 confirmed and two probable cases), including three deaths (source: WHO May 28, 2026, DON update) All confirmed cases have been identified as Andes virus
• News reports indicate 18 American passengers were repatriated and are being monitored at the National Quarantine Unit in Omaha, the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit, and Emory University Hospital in Atlanta
• No cases of Andes virus have been confirmed in the general U.S. population as a result of this outbreak
• CDC and WHO assess the risk to the American public as extremely low

On May 18, 2026, CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update to inform clinicians and health departments about testing available for patients with suspected hantavirus infection to include Andes virus.

Andes virus is notable as the only hantavirus known to spread person-to-person, though such transmission typically requires close, prolonged contact with a symptomatic individual or their body fluids.

Sin Nombre Hantavirus vs. Andes Hantavirus

• Information on distinctions between the Andes virus and the Sin Nombre virus, which is a Hantavirus is endemic to the United States

Public Resources and Guidance

The following resources are publicly available and may be useful for LHD communications, situational awareness, and clinical coordination:

CDC Resources:

• Andes Virus Outbreak on a Cruise Ship: Current Situation — CDC’s regularly updated situation summary
• Andes Virus Outbreak on a Cruise Ship: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Hantavirus Outbreak Toolkit — A comprehensive toolkit with resources related to the current outbreak, including communication materials and guidance documents
• *New* Risk to the United States from the 2026 Andes Virus Outbreak on a Cruise Ship — Qualitative assessments of risk to the United States
• Interim Guidance for Public Health Assessment and Management of People with Potential Exposure to Andes Virus — The purpose of this document is to support health departments in managing individuals who have experienced a potential exposure associated with the M/V Hondius Andes virus outbreak. What has changed: 1) Updated definitions; 2) Updated stratification for people who were on an aircraft with a symptomatic case-patient; and 3) Clarified monitoring and modified activities recommendations for individuals with high-risk exposures (Updated as of May 14, 2026)
• About Andes Virus — Overview of Andes virus, transmission, signs and symptoms, and clinical guidance
• Andes Virus Factsheet — A one-page, printable factsheet with key information about Andes virus
• CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Advisory — Clinical and public health guidance for U.S. health departments, clinical laboratories, and healthcare workers
•  CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update — Informs clinicians and health departments about testing available for patients with suspected hantavirus infection to include Andes virus.
• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) Clinician Brief — Clinical information for healthcare providers

WHO Resources:

• WHO Disease Outbreak News: Hantavirus Cluster Linked to Cruise Ship Travel — Multi-country situational report (updated May 8, 2026)

We will continue to add resources to this list as additional public-facing documents are released by CDC, WHO, and other federal partners.

Resources for NACCHO Members

NACCHO members can access additional peer-to-peer discussion, real-time information sharing, and member-specific resources through our Emerging Public Health Threats Virtual Community. If you are not yet a member of this community, log in using your myNACCHO account at https://virtualcommunities.naccho.org/ncov/home.

Tell Us How You’re Responding — We Want to Hear From You

Are you or your health department actively engaged in responding to this outbreak? We want to know.

NACCHO is collecting information from members about:

• What role your LHD is playing in monitoring, responding to, or communicating about the Andes virus / hantavirus situation
• Any gaps in federal support or resources that NACCHO can help elevate or advocate for on your behalf

Please fill out this form to let us know. Or, use the QR code below. Hearing from you directly helps NACCHO better advocate for the resources and federal support that LHDs need—and ensures your work is visible and recognized.

About NACCHO

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) represents the approximately 3,300 local health departments across the United States. NACCHO’s mission is to improve the health of communities and strengthen and support local health departments. Learn more at naccho.org.

Questions or corrections regarding this post? Contact [email protected]. This post will be updated as new information is released.