Andes virus and sin nombre virus: Similarities and distinctive features

The threat of hanta virus infection has come to the forefront in recent weeks, following the outbreak of the Andes virus aboard the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius cruise ship during its spring 2026 voyage. Several passengers and crew members got infected because Andes virus is the sole known hanta virus to trigger human-to-human infection. All exposed passengers have returned to their countries in Asia, the Americas and Europe, and remain in quarantine to this day because of Andes virus extended incubation period (35-45 days). Several infected patients have died due to Andes high mortality (35-50%). Taken together, the unfolding of these alarming facts has ignited fears of a new hanta virus pandemic. Here, we briefly outline certain among the major similarities and distinctive features between Andes virus and Sin Nombre virus, the two principal hanta viruses known today to infect humans. This writing emphasizes how timely and critical it is to develop concerted research and accelerated testing programs for anti-hanta virus vaccines and antivirals.