Arizona Health Officials on Alert Amid Andes Virus Outbreak
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is actively monitoring a recent outbreak of the Andes virus, which has been linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. In collaboration with local, tribal, and federal health partners, ADHS is ensuring that residents are kept informed and safe.
Current Status
Update as of May 12, 2026
No confirmed cases or exposures of the Andes virus have been reported in Arizona, and the overall risk to residents remains low.
On May 5th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerted ADHS about an Arizona resident who returned home and is now under observation by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. This individual is currently asymptomatic. Another Arizona resident from the cruise ship is being evaluated in Nebraska before returning home for further monitoring by local health authorities.
Understanding Andes Virus
The Andes virus is a hantavirus strain primarily found in Argentina and Chile, first identified in the 1990s. Like other hantaviruses, it is rodent-borne and can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory illness. While rare human-to-human transmission has been observed, it typically requires prolonged close contact with someone who is actively symptomatic.
Sin Nombre Virus in Arizona
In Arizona, the most common hantavirus is the Sin Nombre virus (SNV), carried by deer mice. SNV was first recognized during a 1993 outbreak near the Arizona-New Mexico border. Arizona has not reported any cases of SNV in 2026, though seven cases, including four fatalities, were confirmed in 2025. In 2024, 11 cases were recorded. Transmission usually occurs through exposure to rodent droppings, urine, saliva, or nesting materials, not through person-to-person contact.
Symptoms and Treatment of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
Both the Andes and Sin Nombre viruses can lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Symptoms typically appear 4 to 42 days post-exposure and may start with flu-like signs, such as:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
As the illness progresses, individuals might develop coughing, shortness of breath, or severe respiratory distress, requiring hospitalization. No vaccine or specific antiviral treatment exists for hantavirus infections, making early medical attention and supportive care crucial.
Prevention Measures
While the risk from the current Andes virus situation remains low for the public, ADHS emphasizes the importance of reducing exposure to rodents to prevent Sin Nombre virus infections in Arizona. Recommended steps include:
- Removing brush, wood piles, and food sources to reduce rodent habitats.
- Sealing gaps and openings to prevent rodents from entering buildings.
- Avoiding sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings to prevent the spread of contaminated particles.
- Ventilating enclosed areas potentially infested by rodents for at least 30 minutes before cleaning.
- Using a disinfectant or bleach solution to soak rodent droppings or nesting materials before cleanup.
- Wearing gloves and a mask when cleaning affected areas.
- Seeking medical attention if fever, fatigue, or respiratory symptoms develop after rodent exposure.
For further concerns about hantaviruses or the Andes virus, contact your local or tribal health department. Additional information and prevention tips are available on the ADHS Hantavirus website.
Resources
CDC Hantavirus Current Situation
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