Sin Nombre virus in the US: 8 cases, 2 deaths in 2026
Regional monitoring editor
Timestamp shown in UTC unless otherwise indicated.
Hantavirus American-style
While the world watched the MV Hondius, people were quietly dying in the US. 8 Sin Nombre hantavirus cases since the start of 2026. 2 fatal.
Not one of them is linked to the cruise. These are local infections. A typical story for western states.
Geography
Arizona — 4 cases, 1 death. Colorado — 2 cases. Nevada, Washington, Wisconsin — one each. Five states. Eight people.
Fatality rate — 25%. The historical average is about 36%. 2026 is slightly milder so far. But that is no comfort for the families.
| State | Cases | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 4 | 1 |
| Colorado | 2 | 0 |
| Nevada | 1 | 0 |
| Washington | 1 | 1 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | 0 |
Who is at risk
Sin Nombre is carried by deer mice. Infection happens in rural areas. When cleaning sheds, garages, country houses. Just inhaling dust with droppings is enough.
95% of all HPS cases in the US occur west of the Mississippi. It is a historical pattern. It does not change.
Why this matters
The cruise ship outbreak caught the world's attention. But local cases continue. Every year, 20–40 Americans get HPS. One in three dies.
Hantavirus is not just about distant countries and cruises. It is near you. In your garage. In a shed. In an abandoned house.
Be careful when cleaning. It saves lives.