Hantavirus Risk Snapshot

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome carries a case-fatality rate of approximately 38% once respiratory symptoms develop, per CDC — one of the highest of any disease covered in this network. CDC reports 890 cumulative US cases from 1993 through 2023; a May 2026 Andes virus cluster linked to an international cruise ship is under active investigation, with no confirmed US cases from it so far.

Written and researched by Andy Wilcox · Last reviewed: July 2026

The Numbers

Evolving situation: A May 2026 Andes virus cluster linked to an international cruise ship is under active CDC investigation; no confirmed US cases from this cluster.

Hantavirus risk snapshot chart — severe outcome, hospitalization, and case fatality rates

Case fatality rate (HPS, once symptomatic): 38%
Cumulative US cases (1993-2023): 890

Source: CDC — Reported Cases of Hantavirus Disease · Data as of 2026-05-08

Case counts and mortality data on this page are sourced directly from CDC as cited above. This is statistical and educational information, not medical advice or a risk assessment for any individual. Figures change as CDC updates its surveillance data — check the "data as of" date and linked source for the latest numbers.

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Andy Wilcox

Written and researched by Andy Wilcox, an independent researcher applying 30+ years of analytical experience to primary-source research on viruses and public-health response. He is not a physician. Nothing here is medical advice.

Last reviewed: July 2026