Hantavirus Outbreak on Overseas Cruise Ships: What is it?

As the global travel market regains its vitality, more people are planning cruise trips or long-term overseas travel. However, as international movement increases, it is crucial to pay attention to global infectious disease issues. Recently, a cluster of Hantavirus (Andes virus) infections on a cruise ship along South American routes has drawn the attention of international health authorities. In this article, we will examine the characteristics, risks, and prevention guidelines for Hantavirus.

Hantavirus Outbreak on a South American Cruise Ship

International attention was recently focused on a Dutch-flagged cruise ship sailing in the South Atlantic after a cluster of unexplained respiratory illnesses occurred. Investigations confirmed that the cases were linked to the ‘Andes virus,’ a type of Hantavirus prevalent in South America. The cruise ship departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, in April, and it was found that some passengers had traveled through natural environments and outdoor activity areas in South America before boarding. Cruise ships are known to be vulnerable to the spread of infectious diseases due to high density and limited ventilation. The World Health Organization (WHO) assessed the risk within the cruise ship as ‘moderate’ regarding this case, but announced the risk of spread to the overall international community as ‘low.’1 This is because the Andes virus, among Hantaviruses, does not exhibit a widespread airborne transmission pattern like COVID-19, but rather spreads through exposure to specific environments or limited close contact situations.

1. Medical World News. ‘Andes Virus Outbreak on South American Cruise Ship... KDCA Says ‘Low Risk for Korea’.’ 2026

Hantavirus? Andes Virus?

When reading the news, terms like Hantavirus, Andes virus, and Hantaan virus can be confusing. Simply put, within the large virus family called Hantaviridae, there are Hantaan virus, Seoul virus, and Andes virus, and the diseases and symptoms they cause vary depending on the type of virus.

Hantaan virus and Seoul virus, which primarily occur in Korea, are classified as viruses that cause ‘Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).’ HFRS is characterized by fever, bleeding tendencies, and decreased kidney function. It is often transmitted when the excrement of infected rodents dries and spreads as dust in the air, which is then inhaled or enters through wounds.

In contrast, the Andes virus, which gained attention due to the recent cruise ship outbreak, occurs mainly in South America and is characterized by causing ‘Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS),’ which affects lung and heart function. It can progress to rapid shortness of breath, pulmonary edema, and decreased heart function, and limited person-to-person transmission has been reported in some cases. However, no large-scale outbreaks through general airborne transmission, like COVID-19, have been confirmed to date.2

2. Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). ‘Domestic Risk Assessment and Prevention Guidelines Regarding Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (Andes Virus Infection) on Overseas Cruise Ships.’ 2026.

※ Fatality rates may vary by country and reporting data.

Early Symptoms: Easily Mistaken for a Cold

After infection with the Andes virus, there can be an incubation period of at least 1 week to a maximum of 8 weeks. Initially, it often starts with symptoms similar to a common cold or flu, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue, making early recognition difficult. Some patients may experience gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If the disease progresses rapidly, shortness of breath, pulmonary edema, and low blood pressure may occur. Particularly in severe cases, intensive care may be required, including oxygen therapy, ventilators, or ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation). Currently, there is no approved preventive vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for the Andes virus. Therefore, prevention and early detection are considered the most important response strategies.

Possibility of Domestic Influx and Prevention Guidelines

Hearing news of overseas infections can increase concerns about a potential domestic outbreak. However, the KDCA currently assesses the domestic public health risk as ‘low.’ According to the KDCA, the South American rodents known as the primary hosts of the Andes virus have not been identified in the Korean natural environment, and no cases of domestic influx have been officially reported to date. Furthermore, person-to-person transmission has only been reported under very limited conditions, making the possibility of general community transmission extremely low. The government continues to monitor the overseas situation by sharing information with the international community, including the WHO, and operates surveillance systems such as airport quarantine and genetic testing. Therefore, it is important to be aware of prevention guidelines based on accurate information rather than excessive anxiety. If you are planning a trip to South America or nature-oriented outdoor activities, you should be careful to avoid rodent exposure. The risk of Andes virus infection increases when the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents dries and spreads as dust in the air. (KDCA, 2026).

Therefore, during travel, avoid contact with wild rodents or their excrement, and minimize entry into long-abandoned warehouses or enclosed spaces. After camping or trekking, be sure to maintain thorough personal hygiene, such as hand washing. Additionally, if symptoms such as unexplained fever, shortness of breath, severe muscle pain, or abdominal pain occur within 8 weeks of visiting a South American outbreak area, visit a medical institution and inform the medical staff of your overseas travel history.

If necessary, guidance can be obtained through the KDCA Call Center (1339).

Overseas travel is a precious time that provides new experiences and vitality, but it can be even safer when accompanied by correct information and basic precautions regarding infectious disease prevention. Although the current domestic risk is assessed as low, if you plan to visit a South American outbreak area, it is important to fully understand the prevention guidelines and carefully monitor your health status.

*References:

Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency: Crisis Management Division / Emerging Infectious Disease Response Division, ‘Domestic Risk Assessment and Prevention Guidelines Regarding Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (Andes Virus Infection) on Overseas Cruise Ships’, 2026

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