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Advisory

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The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) has released an advisory regarding a multi-country cluster of Hantavirus cases linked to an international cruise ship expedition. The outbreak has been connected to the Andes virus strain, which is notable because it is the only known hantavirus capable of limited person-to-person transmission under close, prolonged exposure conditions. As of May 11, 2026, nine cases and three deaths have been reported internationally. At this time, PA DOH reports no known Pennsylvania residents connected to the outbreak.

Hantavirus infections remain extremely rare in the United States and particularly in Pennsylvania, where only two cases have been reported since 2010. Most infections are associated with exposure to rodent urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.

Providers and organizations should be aware of symptoms consistent with Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), including fever, fatigue, muscle aches, cough, and shortness of breath, particularly when there is a known history of rodent exposure or close contact with a symptomatic individual linked to the Andes virus strain. Early symptoms may resemble influenza or COVID-19.

The Department of Health is advising healthcare providers to immediately report suspected cases to local public health authorities or the PA Department of Health at 877-PA-HEALTH.

RCPA encourages members to review the PA-HAN advisory and fact sheet for additional clinical guidance, infection control recommendations, and environmental cleaning protocols related to rodent exposure and prevention.

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Message from the PA Department of Human Services (DHS):

Under the current federal administration, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (U.S. DHS) has lifted restrictions that previously prohibited Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from carrying out immigration enforcement actions, including arrests, in protected areas such as medical and behavioral health care facilities and social services establishments. It is now possible that U.S. DHS may attempt to conduct immigration enforcement activities in these settings.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, along with the departments of Aging, Drug and Alcohol Programs, and Health, has prepared a non-regulatory advisory to provide general information about federal law applicable to immigration enforcement activities at health care and social services facilities. We also advise facility leadership and counsel to develop a written policy and standard operating procedures for what to do if immigration enforcement agents arrive on facility property or seek information about individuals you serve for immigration enforcement reasons.

In developing these policies and procedures, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services advises that you consider:

  • Designating legal and administrative point person(s) by name and phone number who will interact with immigration agents and review legal documents;
  • Planning for how your facility will respond to requests for information, requests to enter non-public spaces to conduct an arrest, and immigration enforcement activity in public spaces;
  • Engaging in advance with stakeholders and necessary resources; and
  • Minimizing disruption to individuals served.

This advisory does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney or accredited representative for legal questions about a specific situation.

Thank you for your service to Pennsylvania.

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