Early this year, a deadly hantavirus outbreak was reported on a cruise ship, the MV Hondius, in the Atlantic Ocean. While this viral disease quickly captured the public’s attention, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that the overall risk to the American public is extremely low (CDC, May, 2026).
Still, with the recent disembarkation of the cruise ship passengers and since the viral disease is spread by rodents, the public is concerned for their safety. Additionally, many pet parents are wondering if dogs and cats are at risk, whether from the Andes strain of hantavirus or otherwise. In this guide, we provide answers to commonly asked questions about the viral disease among pet parents.
Note: It is important to note that the situation is evolving, so it’s generally recommended to be mindful of advisories from trusted sources like the CDC, WHO, and local public health authorities.
Hantavirus 2026 Overview
Where Did Hantavirus Come From?
Hantavirus is not new. Various strains of hantavirus have been recorded throughout recent history. The first strain identified was the Hantaan virus, which was responsible for an outbreak in the 1950’s affecting UN soldiers in Korea. The viral strain was not isolated until 1978.
Since then, other strains of hantavirus have been identified, including the Andes strain of hantavirus (first identified in 1995), which is also linked to the outbreak within the cruise ship.
Hantavirus Strains & Symptoms in People
There are more than 40 species of hantavirus that exist in nature. Different strains are associated with different symptoms and risks. These strains are broadly classified into two:
- Old World Hantaviruses – endemic to Europe and Asia; linked to hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Case fatality is around 1 to 15 percent. (WHO, 2026).
- New World Hantaviruses – more common in the Americas; linked to Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). The case fatality rate can be up to 50 percent (WHO, 2026). The Sin Nombre virus and Andes virus fall under this category.
Note: In humans, symptoms can develop 1 to 8 weeks after exposure. Depending on the strain of virus, symptoms can include a sudden high fever, muscle aches, headache, and gastrointestinal upset. If you’re worried about these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
How Does Hantavirus Spread?
Regardless of the strain, hantavirus spreads mainly through rodents. Here are possible ways individuals can contract this viral disease:
- Contact with the urine, droppings, and saliva of infected rodents.
- Touching contaminated matter and then touching the nose or mouth.
- Breathing in hantavirus particles while cleaning up rodent urine and droppings.
- Rodent bites or scratches (less common).
- Limited human-to-human transmission is documented with close and prolonged contact, such as in households (Andes strain only)
Hantavirus Statement from WHO
“WHO currently assesses the public health risk [...] at the Global level as low [...]”. This statement is specifically for hantavirus cases related to the cruise ship incident involving the Andes strain. (WHO, May 2026)
Key Safety Takeaway About Hantavirus
Recent attention surrounding the cruise ship incident has brought greater public awareness to hantavirus, but the virus itself is not new.
As with many rodent-borne illnesses, the best approach is to stay informed, practice good hygiene, and be mindful of potential exposure risks to help protect both people and pets.
Hantavirus in Dogs & Cats: Can They Be Infected?
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dogs and cats cannot get sick from hantavirus infection. This means there haven’t been any reported cases of hantavirus in dogs or hantavirus in cats.
Can Dogs & Cats Get Hantavirus From Mice & Rodents?
According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, dogs and cats can get hantavirus, but do not typically spread it to humans. (National Library of Medicine, 2000).
However, while dogs and cats are not primary carriers of hantavirus, there are still ways that they can indirectly place the household at risk. Here are some examples:
- Dogs and cats may bring infected rodent carcasses into the home, increasing the chances of contact with viral particles.
- Dogs and cats can transport contaminated particles (such as rodent urine or feces) on their fur or paws after spending time outdoors.
- If dog food or cat food is improperly stored, this can attract rodents to the home, resulting in an increased risk of rodent-borne illness.
Key Safety Takeaways for Pet Parents
While dogs and cats cannot be sick from a hantavirus infection nor directly infect people, pet parents can still take the following safety precautions to stay safe:
- Store pet food in sealed, rodent-proof containers and avoid leaving food outdoors overnight.
- Clean up spilled pet food promptly to help discourage rodents from entering the home.
- Limit pets’ access to rodents, nests, and areas with visible rodent activity.
- Wash pets’ paws, bedding, toys, and outdoor gear regularly if they spend time outside.
- Keep garages, sheds, basements, and pet feeding areas clean and clutter-free.
- Seal gaps or entry points around the home to help prevent rodents from getting indoors.
Note: If you need to clean an area with rodent droppings, urine, or signs of infestation, be mindful of cleaning recommendations outlined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Staying Informed on Local News
The government has taken precautionary measures to keep the Andes strain from the cruise ship contained; 18 US passengers from the cruise ship, as of this article’s last update, are in quarantine units located at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. (CDC, May 2026)
That said, other strains of hantavirus are present in the United States, even if they’re not related to the cruise ship outbreak. Therefore, it’s always recommended to stay informed and maintain hygienic practices (including being careful with rodent waste and infestations).
Note: To help keep our communities informed, we’ve put together some recent information for our home states: Colorado, Illinois, and Utah, as of this article’s last update.
a. Hantavirus in Colorado
This virus is not new to Colorado. Hantavirus cases in Colorado are sporadic and relatively more common than other states. An unfortunate death from hantavirus occurred this May 2026 in Colorado. However, it is NOT connected to the cruise ship outbreak.
b. Hantavirus in Utah
Historically, hantavirus in Utah is rare, with only a total of 48 cases reported from 1993 to 2023, according to the CDC. However, there are 3 Utahns exposed to hantavirus from the cruise ship outbreak who are currently in quarantine and being monitored. “The risk to the general public remains low,” reassures Dr. Mike Woodruff of Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah in an interview with FOX 13 News.
c. Hantavirus in Illinois
Hantavirus in Illinois is very rare, with only 7 cases reported from 1993 to 2025, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). However, a recent potential hantavirus case (following rodent exposure) is being investigated by the IDPH; it is NOT connected to the cruise ship outbreak. (NBC News, May 2026)
Final Thoughts on Hantavirus, Safety, & Pets
There have been 890 cases of hantavirus disease reported in the United States from 1993 to 2023. Distributed across 50 states, there are years when some states don’t have any cases at all, as seen in CDC’s map of reported hantavirus cases. All in all, this viral disease is fairly rare on a national scale.
With that said, good hygiene practices are always recommended—along with precautions regarding exposure to not just rodents, but also ticks and wildlife. There are other diseases, more common than hantavirus disease, that can come from said sources (e.g., rabies, leptospirosis, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever), which can affect both people and pets.
Keeping Pet Parents & Pets Safe at Sploot
To help keep our community safe, we at Sploot Veterinary Care, continue to have extensive hygiene protocols to ensure our clinic environment is uncluttered, clean, and safe for pets and pet parents.
If you have any questions about your pet’s health, feel free to schedule a vet visit in one of our vet clinics in Denver, Colorado Springs, Salt Lake City, and Chicago. We offer all-in-one, full-service veterinary care, encompassing primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services. Our doors are open 365 days a year, so we can be there for pet parents when it matters most.
