5 Things You Need to Know About the Hantavirus Cruise Outbreak

Guest Commentary

Audio By Carbonatix

By Amber Ginter, Crosswalk.com

In December of 2019, COVID-19 swept nations with fear, anxiety, and distrust. By March of 2020, schools and cities closed, communities isolated, and stores refused to open their doors. Like a real-life horror film, we lived masked up for nearly two years. Not only did the pandemic take lives, but it also led to lockdowns, travel bans, a stock market crash, and the suspension of major sports and entertainment industries.

Thankfully, by 2026, we’re living in a much freer world than we were. In the span of the last few weeks, however, a new outbreak is causing stress among those worldwide: The Hantavirus.

According to the CDC, Hantavirus can infect anyone, but it’s primarily contracted by coming into contact with rodents through their urine, droppings, saliva, a bite, or a scratch. Typically, the condition can cause two syndromes, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).

While HPS is most commonly found in the U.S. and spread by the deer mouse, HFRS is found in Europe and Asia. When an expedition cruise from Argentina to Cape Verde set off, however, the two syndromes crossed paths when the MV Hondius became linked to an outbreak of hantavirus.

Operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, the MV Hondius was on its usual route to the Atlantic Odyssey voyage. When a case of hantavirus was confirmed, however, travelers were shocked: contracting such a disease is virtually unheard of on cruise ships. According to the Christian Post, “The World Health Organization had reported eight confirmed or suspected cases, including three deaths, among passengers linked to the voyage. “

Here’s what you should know:

The Andes virus is the only known hantavirus capable of spreading between humans; however, this strain was confirmed on the ship.
Despite the rarity of contracting the hantavirus, the cruise ship’s confined environment created conditions leading to increased vulnerability.
The cruise ship’s initial response to the virus underestimated its seriousness.
Detectives believe that the virus may have been brought on board before the voyage began.
No vaccine or cure has currently been identified for the Andes strain of hantavirus.

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Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.