Post Date:05/07/2026 1:13 PMGiven the recent news about the Andes hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius, Contra Costa Health is providing our community with an update.
Contra Costa County has not been notified by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) of any confirmed Andes hantavirus cases or exposure contacts in our county.
We are aware that CDPH is working with local health jurisdictions to monitor a very small number of individuals who may have had exposure related to the cruise ship investigation. At this time, we have received no information indicating that any monitored individuals in California are ill.
Based on current information from CDPH and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the risk to the public remains very low. No special public health precautions or emergency preparations are recommended at this time.
It is important to note that hantavirus infections in California are very rare. The primary hantavirus risk in California is associated with exposure to the droppings or urine of infected rodents, primarily outside of Contra Costa County. The hantavirus strain typically seen in California does not spread person-to-person. The cruise ship investigation involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, which may spread through prolonged close contact with an infected person.Return to full list >>