In response to recent media coverage and information being shared on social platforms, Lincoln County Public Health would like to provide an update on the Andes hantavirus outbreak, which is changing rapidly.
Here is what we know to date:
What is Andes Virus? The Andes virus is a type of hantavirus found in South America. It can cause a serious lung illness called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Most people get it through contact with rodents like rats and mice, especially when exposed to their urine, droppings, and saliva. Rarely it can spread through a rodent bite or scratch. Andes virus can also spread from person to person through close, prolonged contact. The Andes virus is not found in Oregon.
What are the symptoms? Symptoms for the Andes virus appear 4–42 days after exposure. Early symptoms may include fever, tiredness, muscle aches, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. 4-10 days later people may develop a cough and trouble breathing. This illness can be fatal with about 38% resulting in death.
What’s happening now? The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is closely monitoring the outbreak linked to the M/V Hondius cruise ship which departed Ushuaia, Argentina on April 1, 2026. As of May 8, eight cases have been reported (five confirmed and three suspect), including three deaths.
The U.S. Department of State is coordinating the U.S. response and working with international health authorities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will notify local health departments if any passengers from affected areas return to their community.
As of today, no exposed individuals have returned to Oregon. If that changes, public health will monitor those individuals for symptoms for 42 days following their last exposure to the virus. Regional health care systems will be immediately alerted if an exposed individual returns to their area.
What is the risk to the public? According to the World Health Organization, the risk to the general public is low. Here’s why:
- We’ve known about Andes hantavirus since the 1990’s and understand how it spreads and replicates.
- Andes hantavirus typically spreads through very close contact, such as caring for a sick person or sleeping in the same bed.
- Someone must have symptoms to spread the virus.
There are understandably some fears and questions about this outbreak. However, the bottom line is, this is a serious and unique international outbreak. Things are moving quickly, but this virus is behaving as expected so far, and the risk to the public remains low. Lincoln County Public Health will provide relevant updates on this situation on an as needed basis.