Andes Virus HCPS Outbreak Aboard MV Hondius Raises Suspected Human-to-Human Transmission

An outbreak of Andes virus hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) occurred aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, with suspected human-to-human transmission. Andes virus is one of the few hantaviruses known to spread between people, and its incubation period can reach about 42 days, complicating contact tracing during and after the voyage. MedCram's clinical review notes the virus damages pulmonary microvascular endothelium, causing capillary leak and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema often requiring ECMO, and calls for prolonged post-exposure monitoring and infection control.