Health officials track fourth King County resident tied to MV Hondius Andes hantavirus

May 16, 2026 - 13:19

Public health authorities in Seattle and King County are now tracking a fourth local resident who may have been exposed to the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare and potentially severe illness. The individual is believed to have traveled on the MV Hondius, a cruise ship that has become the focus of an unusual outbreak investigation.

The Andes hantavirus is distinct from the more common Sin Nombre virus found in North America. It is known to spread through contact with infected rodents, primarily in South America. However, health officials are concerned because this strain has also shown the rare ability to transmit from person to person in past outbreaks.

The fourth case involves a person who is not currently showing symptoms but is being closely monitored. The three previous residents linked to the ship have already been identified. Health officials are working to trace contacts and assess the risk to the broader community.

The MV Hondius, an expedition cruise ship, has been linked to multiple cases of the virus. Authorities are investigating how the exposure occurred, likely involving contaminated environments or rodent activity on the vessel. While the risk to the general public remains low, the situation highlights the challenges of tracking rare pathogens that cross international borders.