Hantavirus Update: Facts, Not Fear
May 14th, 2026
4:13 PM PDT
In light of the news about the recent outbreak of Hantavirus, and our government being run by actual clowns, I decided to share knowledge from my healthcare background. I am a physician assistant (PA-C) who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic. My experience in healthcare during that time is a major reason why I left full time healthcare work. COVID-19 changed the world, forever. I, like you, am traumatized. I do not want another pandemic.
What is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a zoonotic virus, meaning it is transferred from animals to humans. The vector, or animal, that harbors Hantavirus are rodents. In the US, the rodent that carries Hantavirus is the deer mouse.
How is Hantavirus spread?
The virus is spread by contact with body fluids from an infected rodent. It most commonly transfers to humans when cleaning up rodent droppings.
What happened?
A Dutch cruise ship, the MV Hondius, was anchored off the shore of Spain, after concerns of an outbreak for Hantavirus. The source of the outbreak is unclear. Current hypothesis suspect exposure to infected rodents when the shipped was docked in Argentina.
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirms eight cases of Hantavirus, including three deaths.
At the time of writing this entry, 41 people are reported to by the CDC to be under monitoring for Hantavirus. There are no confirmed cases in the US.
Symptoms of Hantavirus include fever (temperature greater than 100.5F, 38C) , fatigue (tiredness), and muscle soreness. The muscles particularly affected are the large groups like the shoulders, back, hips, and legs.
The symptoms can go on to produce one of two manifestations.
Hantaviruses in Europe and Asia are known to cause hemorrhagic fever and kidney failure. This has 5-15% rate of fatality.
The Andes strain is known to cause Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. This strain attacks the lungs causing them to fill with fluid. Symtpoms include chest tightness and shortness of breath. This manifestation has a 40% rate of fatality.
Treatment and cure
There is no vaccine or specific treatment for Hantavirus.
Risk Reduction
Keep rodents out of your home by sealing up holes and keeping food in sealed containers.
When cleaning your home of suspected rodent droppings, wear a mask and gloves. Spray the area with bleach. Wait five minutes. Then clean up the droppings.
What to do if you suspect you or someone you know has Hantavirus
Given the high fatality rate of this virus, report to nearest source for emergency medical care, like a hospital.
Your primary care doctor and urgent cares are not equipped to handle this kind of condition.
Should I prepare for another pandemic?
I am unable to decide your level of preparedness for you. It is a smart choice to have a reasonable stock of personal protective equipment like gloves and masks along with sanitization supplies.
Based on my healthcare background, Hantavirus is unlikely to cause a global pandemic, based on the hypothesis that human to human transmission requires prolonged, close contact.