Hantavirus

Hantavirus infection can cause severe illness and, in some cases, can be fatal, but hantavirus disease is extremely rare in Rhode Island. Rhode Island has had only one reported case of hantavirus infection, which occurred in 1994. More than 40 hantaviruses have been identified worldwide. Of these, only the Andes virus strain, which is primarily found in parts of South America, has been shown to spread from person to person. Even with Andes virus, person-to-person transmission is uncommon and is generally limited to people with close, prolonged contact with an infected person.

On May 11, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify clinicians and public health agencies about a cluster of Andes virus infections associated with the M/V Hondius cruise ship outbreak. According to CDC, the risk to the American public remains extremely low. Andes virus is not a new virus, and it does not spread easily between people. Based on current evidence, the risk of widespread transmission or a pandemic associated with this outbreak is extremely low.

At this time, there are no known connections between this cluster and Rhode Island, and Rhode Islanders have little reason for concern based on what is currently known about the situation. However, Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and public health authorities worldwide continue to monitor the situation closely and are receiving regular updates from CDC and the World Health Organization.

CDC has issued a Frequently Asked Questions resource outlining key information on transmission, risk levels, monitoring recommendations, and public health actions. The guidance emphasizes that overall risk to the public remains extremely low and that person-to-person spread is rare and typically limited to close-contact settings. 

According to CDC, people get hantavirus from contact with rodents like rats and mice, especially when exposed to their urine, droppings, and saliva. It can also spread through a bite or scratch by a rodent, but this is rare.