Public Health – Seattle & King County was notified on 5/14/2026 by the Washington State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of a fourth King County resident under monitoring for the Andes type of hantavirus linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship.
This resident was not on the cruise ship but was on the flight from Johannesburg to Amsterdam with an ill cruise ship passenger prior to takeoff. The ill passenger was removed from the flight before the plane left Johannesburg. The ill person began traveling before the outbreak was reported to the World Health Organization.
The King County resident is considered at low risk for infection because they were not seated near the ill passenger. This resident has returned to King County. They are asymptomatic and are monitoring for symptoms.
Previously announced King County residents being monitored for hantavirus
This is the fourth King County resident under monitoring for the Andes type of hantavirus linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship.
On Tuesday, May 12, Public Health announced that three other King County residents are currently being monitored for Andes type of hantavirus:
- Two King County residents were sitting on the flight from Johannesburg to Amsterdam, near an ill cruise ship passenger who was removed from the aircraft before takeoff and later tested positive. Both residents have returned to King County and are monitoring for symptoms at home in coordination with Public Health. Both continue to feel well, have no symptoms, and are following public health recommendations.
- One King County resident who was a passenger on the MV Hondius cruise ship is being monitored for symptoms along with other American passengers at the national quarantine center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. They continue to be at the Nebraska medical center and are asymptomatic.
Currently, no one in King County has symptoms of Andes type of hantavirus and there are no cases of the Andes type virus in King County. The risk to the public remains low.
“We were informed yesterday of a fourth individual with a low risk exposure and were able to reach the resident today. All our residents are following public health protocols and the risk to the King County community remains low,” said Dr. Sandra J. Valenciano, Health Officer and Acting Director for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “For individuals under monitoring, the goal is to support the individuals while facilitating early detection, rapid public health response, and coordinated access to clinical care if fever or other symptoms develop.”
About hantavirus
Hantavirus infections are rare but can cause severe illness. They primarily spread from contact with wild rodents, especially when people are exposed to their urine, droppings, and saliva. The Andes virus is the only known type of hantavirus that can spread from person to person. Spread is typically limited to people who have close contact with a sick person. This includes direct physical contact, prolonged time spent in close or enclosed spaces, and exposure to the sick person’s body fluids.
Originally posted on May 15, 2026
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