Hanta It Down: Why This Virus Won’t Cruise To India

May 11, 2026 | 21:33 IST

First, Andes strain found on cruise ship is deadly, but most occupants, including two Indians, are under quarantine. Second, Hantavirus strains found in Asia aren’t big killers. Third, India’s disease surveillance is reliable

After the pandemic’s horrors, the world reacts, fearfully, to any news of respiratory virus outbreak, anywhere. Recent outbreak of a Hantavirus infection, in the closed confines of a cruise ship, sailing from Argentina to Europe, has triggered global alarm – including in India. “Are we at risk?”

The answer is clear, and comforting. Most Hanta strains do not exhibit propensity for human-to-human transmission. However, the Andes strain, native to Argentina and Columbia, has been known to do so. That strain infected the ship’s passengers. However, Andes strain hasn’t led to largescale epidemics in the past. Its spread was limited locally, despite high virulence.

TOI

TOI

Hanta It Down: Why This Virus Won’t Cruise To India

First, Andes strain found on cruise ship is deadly, but most occupants, including two Indians, are under quarantine. Second, Hantavirus strains found in Asia aren’t big killers. Third, India’s disease surveillance is reliable

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TOI

Hanta It Down: Why This Virus Won’t Cruise To India

First, Andes strain found on cruise ship is deadly, but most occupants, including two Indians, are under quarantine. Second, Hantavirus strains found in Asia aren’t big killers. Third, India’s disease surveillance is reliable

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