The Benton County Health Department announced on May 12 an update regarding the ongoing Andes hantavirus outbreak, stating that public health agencies are closely monitoring the situation as it evolves.
This information is important because the Andes virus can cause a serious illness called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and has unique features compared to other hantaviruses. The department said, “Andes virus is a type of hantavirus found in South America. It can cause a serious sickness called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Most people get it through contact with infected rodents like rats or mice, especially when exposed to their urine, droppings, or saliva.” Unlike other types of hantaviruses, the Andes virus can also spread from person to person through very close contact.
The Oregon Health Authority is monitoring an outbreak linked to the M/V Hondius cruise ship that departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1. As of May 8, there have been eight identified cases: five confirmed and three suspected. Three deaths have been reported among these cases. The U.S. Department of State is coordinating its response with international health authorities while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will alert local health departments if any exposed passengers return to their communities.
At this time, no exposed individuals have returned to Oregon. The Benton County Health Department said public health staff will monitor anyone returning for symptoms over a period of 42 days and notify local hospitals immediately if needed. They added that “BCHD continues to monitor closely and will provide updates if any cases are identified.” Anyone with questions about measles or vaccines should call their healthcare provider or local county health department.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “the risk to the general public is low.” This assessment reflects previous outbreaks where person-to-person transmission was rare and usually required very close contact such as caring for someone who is sick or sharing a bed. A person must show symptoms before they can transmit the virus.
The Benton County Health Department encouraged residents seeking accurate information about this outbreak to rely on trusted sources such as OHA, CDC, and WHO rather than social media posts which may be incomplete or incorrect.
