The National Committee for Epidemiological Surveillance (CONAVE) issued a epidemiological notice by hantavirusafter the outbreak of the strain of Andes virus on the MV Hondius cruise ship, during its journey through the South Atlantic Ocean.

• In context: On May 2, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) was notified about the Andean hantavirus outbreak on the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius.
• Some passengers and crew members developed severe acute respiratory syndrome.
• On May 6, it was confirmed by laboratory that the responsible etiological agent corresponded to the Andean hantavirus.
• As of May 11, there are 9 cases: 7 confirmed, two suspects and 3 people dead.
• The MV Hondius cruise ship began its journey in Ushuaia, Argentina, sailing through the South Atlantic, with stops in Antarctica, South Georgia Island, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena and Ascension Island.
• There were 147 people on the ship: 86 passengers and 61 crew members, from 23 countries.
• Currently, international investigations are ongoing aimed at determining the exact source of exposure, magnitude of the risk, possible secondary chains of transmission, exposure among international passengers and close contacts during international transfers and flights.
• On May 11, CONAVE led the epidemiological notice to all first, second and third level health units, Hospital Epidemiological Surveillance Units (UVEH) and members of the National Network of Public Health Laboratories (RNLSP).

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What does the epidemiological notice for hantavirus in Mexico say?

• Regarding the epidemiological situation in Mexico, the CONAVE notice on Andean hantavirus (ANDV) mentioned that “so far no cases have been identified in the country.”
• The document indicated that in early stages, it may be necessary to repeat diagnostic studies and that differential diagnosis should be considered with: Influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, leptospirosis, febrile gastrointestinal diseases and other serious respiratory infections.
• Regarding the treatment of hantavirus, CONAVE pointed out that there is currently no specific antiviral treatment approved for hantavirus infection and that management consists of general support measures, including hemodynamics, close monitoring, oxygen therapy, ventilatory support and early critical care.
• Regarding the incubation period, the agency pointed out that Andean hantavirus infection usually lasts between two and four weeks, especially in cases with short and well-defined exposure periods. However, exposure histories may not be clearly defined, and individuals may have had contact with multiple potential sources. Therefore, the available evidence suggests a broader range of seven to 42 days (one to six weeks).
• CONAVE recommended strengthening timely detection by identifying patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome, compatible epidemiological history, and relevant international exposure.
• He highlighted that early diagnosis can be complex, particularly during the first 72 hours of symptomatic onset, for which specific molecular tests, serological detection of IgM antibodies, are required.

Related news: WHO Alerts for More Hantavirus Infections: Confirms If the Outbreak Will Be a Pandemic Like COVID-19

What to do in case of hantavirus infection?

The CONAVE epidemiological notice indicates the steps to follow in the event of identification of hantavirus cases and they are as follows:

• Notify through the Immediate Notification System (NOTINMED), using the SUIVE-2 Epidemiological Case Study Format.
• The medical unit, public or private, must notify the Health Jurisdiction through the SUIVE-2 Epidemiological Case Study Form for validation and sending to the state epidemiology area, who will send the case information to the federal level.
• Notification must be made simultaneously to the next higher level of your institution and to the Health Jurisdiction.
• Keep the case in an isolation area, with the personal protection measures of health personnel, and inform the corresponding authorities.
• The Health Jurisdiction must verify that the case meets the operational definition of a case.
• Take the corresponding samples, which must be taken by trained personnel
  with appropriate personal protective equipment, especially with strains such as the Andes virus.
• The confirmatory diagnosis will be carried out at the Institute for Epidemiological Diagnosis and Reference (InDRE).
• Samples must be sent at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius.
• Contact tracing of a confirmed case for 42 days from last contact.

Related news: Why Is WHO Expecting More Hantavirus Cases? Explains Alert Level against Contagions

Mexico, at risk due to hantavirus outbreak?

• The National Committee for Epidemiological Surveillance stressed that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the probability of international spread and sustained transmission is very low; However, international mobility, global air traffic, exposure of international travelers and the documented capacity for person-to-person transmission of the Andean hantavirus constitute factors that require maintaining close epidemiological surveillance.
• He highlighted that although the risk for Mexico is low, timely detection continues to be essential due to the high lethality of the disease, its rapid clinical progression, the difficulty of diagnosis in early phases and the need to implement strict isolation measures in the event of suspected cases.

Hantavirus symptoms

These are the symptoms in initial phase of hantavirus:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Shivers
• Myalgias especially in large muscle groups
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomit
• Diarrhea
• abdominal pain

Symptoms in advanced phase

Generally, symptoms in an advanced phase appear between 4 and 10 days after the onset of the clinical picture and are the following:

• Cough
• Progressive respiratory distress
• tachypnea
• Chest tightness
• Hypoxemia
• Acute respiratory failure

CONAVE mentioned that patients can quickly progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome, pleural effusion, mixed shock, multiple organ failure or death.

Recommendations for health personnel

CONAVE gave the following recommendations for health personnel:

• Wash your hands according to the 5 moments recommended by the WHO.
• Reinforce adherence to standard contact and airway precautions in the outpatient and hospital care of suspected, probable or confirmed cases.
• Health personnel who have treated a confirmed case must remain alert for the appearance of symptoms suggestive of the disease during the subsequent 42 days.
• In case of contact with one of the cases, it is not necessary for staff to be quarantined.
• Immediate isolation of a suspected or confirmed case in a room is recommended with precautions based on the disease transmission mechanism.
• Recommended personal protective equipment includes gloves, gown, high-efficiency mask (N95, KN95 or higher), and eye protection.

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