Kansas City Reports Ongoing Diligence Around Hantavirus Outbreak on the MV Hondias

For immediate release: Thursday, May 7, 2026

The Kansas City Health Department understands residents' questions about recent reports of a hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship anchored near Cabo Verde in the Atlantic Ocean. Reports indicate that several passengers were exposed to the hantavirus while in Argentina or other parts of South America.

Kansas City health officials are monitoring the situation in coordination with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and international public health partners. There are no confirmed cases in Kansas City.

Hantavirus outbreaks are common. The U.S. sees between 15 and 50 cases of hantavirus each year, particularly in the Southwestern states (Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado).

The transmission of hantavirus most commonly occurs by inhaling or ingesting dust or other materials that have been contaminated by droppings, urine, or saliva of rodents, such as the deer mouse.

While the particular (Andes) strain of hantavirus that impacted the cruise ship passengers is transmitted from person to person, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that the risk of widespread transmission is low. Person-to-person transmission of hantavirus typically occurs when someone has prolonged, intimate contact with an infected person, like a household member or partner.

The Kansas City Health Department is in contact with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The CDC is partnering with both the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization.

U. S. residents who were on the cruise ship and have returned to the U.S. are being monitored for symptoms by their state and local health departments. All currently appear healthy. None of the cruise passengers lives in Missouri.

"At this time, the information around the hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship is developing rapidly", said Dr. Marvia Jones, Health Director. "We ask that residents rely on factual sources of information, such as the World Health Organization, to stay abreast of the situation and avoid less reliable sources, such as social media. The Health Department will keep residents notified of the situation as details become available."

About the Kansas City Health Department
The Kansas City, Missouri Health Department works to protect and improve the health of all Kansas City residents through community outreach, prevention, education, and partnerships. Learn more at kcmo.gov/health.