Hantavirus
A rare but severe respiratory illness spread by infected rodents. Currently active in western U.S. states.
Case Distribution
Cases by State
| State | Cases (1993–2023) |
|---|---|
| New Mexico | 109 |
| Colorado | 104 |
| Arizona | 78 |
| California | 62 |
| Washington | 44 |
| Utah | 35 |
| Montana | 23 |
| Idaho | 22 |
| Wyoming | 16 |
| Texas | 15 |
| South Dakota | 15 |
| Oregon | 14 |
| Nevada | 8 |
| Nebraska | 6 |
| Kansas | 5 |
| North Dakota | 5 |
| Minnesota | 4 |
| Oklahoma | 3 |
| Illinois | 3 |
| Michigan | 2 |
| Missouri | 2 |
| Iowa | 2 |
| New York | 2 |
| Arkansas | 2 |
| Wisconsin | 2 |
| Alaska | 1 |
| Florida | 1 |
| North Carolina | 1 |
| Virginia | 1 |
| Indiana | 1 |
Symptoms
Early symptoms appear flu-like and are easily missed. Respiratory symptoms can develop rapidly — within 4–10 days of first symptoms.
Early Symptoms
Days 1–5 after exposure
- Fatigue
- Fever (101–104°F)
- Severe muscle aches
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Chills
Late Symptoms
Days 4–10 — seek emergency care
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Fluid accumulation in the lungs
Treatment: No specific antiviral treatment is approved. Intensive care and supplemental oxygen significantly improve survival rates.
Safe Cleanup
Safe Cleanup Checklist
CDC-recommended steps for rodent droppings and nesting materials
Official Updates
All →- CDCTranscript - Update on CDC's Hantavirus Response
May 13, 2026
Transcript for Update on CDC's Hantavirus Response
- WHOMessage by the WHO Director-General to the people of Tenerife regarding the hantavirus response
May 9, 2026
<p>To the people of Tenerife,</p><p>My name is Tedros, and I serve as the Director-General of the World Health Organization, the United Nations agency responsible for global public health. It is not common for me to write directly to the people of a single community, but today I feel it is not only appropriate, it is necessary.</p><p>I want to speak to you directly, not through press releases or technical briefings, but as one human being to another, because you deserve that.</p><p>I know you ar
- CDCCDC Provides Update on Hantavirus Outbreak Linked to M/V Hondius Cruise Ship
May 8, 2026
The U.S. government is actively monitoring and responding to a hantavirus outbreak linked to the M/V Hondius cruise ship. At this time, the risk to the American public remains extremely low.
- WHOWHO’s response to hantavirus cases linked to a cruise ship
May 7, 2026
<p>Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, briefed media today on a cluster of hantavirus cases linked to a cruise ship, the MV Hondius.</p><p>Eight cases have been reported so far, including three deaths. Five of the 8 cases have been confirmed as hantavirus.</p><p>The hantavirus involved is the <em>Andes</em> virus, the only species known to be capable of limited transmission between humans, linked to close and prolonged contact.</p><p>Describing the situation, Dr Tedros said, &ld
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How It Spreads
Inhalation of infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. Not transmitted person-to-person in the U.S.
Incubation period: 1–8 weeks after exposure