Hantavirus Incubation Period: When Do Symptoms Start?
QUICK ANSWER
- Hantavirus incubation period: 1 to 8 weeks
- Andes virus (MV Hondius strain) median: 18 days (range: 7–39 days)
- Action: If exposed, monitor yourself for at least 8 weeks
Incubation Period by Strain
| Strain | Min | Median | Max | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andes virus | 7 days | 18 days | 39 days | South America |
| Sin Nombre virus | 9 days | ~18 days | 33 days | North America |
| General HPS | 1 week | 2–3 weeks | 8 weeks | Americas |
| HFRS strains | 1 week | 2–4 weeks | 6 weeks | Asia/Europe |
What Does Incubation Period Mean?
The incubation period is the time between when you are exposed to hantavirus (e.g., inhale infected rodent particles or have close contact with an Andes virus patient) and when you first develop symptoms.
During this period, you may feel completely healthy — but the virus is already multiplying in your body.
MV Hondius 2026 — What This Means For Exposed Passengers
Passengers aboard MV Hondius departed Ushuaia, Argentina on April 1, 2026. The earliest exposure date was approximately early April 2026.
Using the Andes virus incubation range of 7–39 days:
- • Earliest possible symptoms: April 8, 2026
- • Latest possible symptoms: May 10, 2026 (39 days after April 1)
- • Extended watch period (8 weeks from first stop): until late May 2026
⚠️ If you disembarked at any port stop (Saint Helena, Ascension Island, Cape Verde) and have not yet developed symptoms, you may still be within the incubation window. Contact your national health authority.
What To Watch For After Potential Exposure
Days 1–18 (typical window): Watch for:
- • Fever above 38°C (100°F)
- • Sudden fatigue or weakness
- • Muscle aches (especially thighs, hips, back)
- • Headache
- • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
If ANY of these appear within 8 weeks of potential exposure:
- → Seek medical care immediately
- → Tell your doctor about potential hantavirus exposure
- → Do NOT self-isolate at home — go to hospital