Andes hantavirus outbreak on cruise prompts new questions about contagion

The Hondius cruise outbreak has infected at least 11 people with the Andes hantavirus, with three deaths among passengers, and 18 Americans on board are in U.S. quarantine. While the Andes strain can spread between people, transmission is still considered rare and usually requires close, prolonged contact or exposure to body fluids; the crowded cruise setting may facilitate spread, but officials say the overall public risk remains very low as scientists learn more about how easily this strain transmits.