Hantavirus Andes Strain Update: Is the Virus in the U.S.? What's the Fatality Rate?

Ever since the hantavirus Andes strain struck a cruise ship called MV Hondius, concerns have grown about the dangerous and often-fatal illness. Yes, it's been found in the U.S. In fact, it killed actor Gene Hackman's wife. But it's rare.

"As of the end of 2023, 890 cases of hantavirus disease were reported in the United States since surveillance began in 1993. These were all laboratory-confirmed cases and included HPS and non-pulmonary hantavirus infection," the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports on its website.