Is Hantavirus the New COVID-19? Not Even Close — Measles Is More Contagious
Recent headlines about the hantavirus have sparked concerns online, with some comparing it to the start of COVID-19. But health experts say the public risk remains very low.
Hantavirus is typically spread through contact with infected rodent urine, feces, or saliva — most often when virus particles become airborne and are inhaled. The strain involved in this case, the Andes virus, is the only known hantavirus type capable of limited person-to-person transmission. Even then, it is only through prolonged, close contact with bodily fluids. Andes virus is primarily found in South America (Argentina, Chile).
Symptoms usually begin like the flu, including fever, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In severe cases, it can progress into a dangerous respiratory illness.
While hantavirus sounds scary, experts say measles poses a far greater public health threat because of how easily it spreads. After major outbreaks in 2025 and continuing into 2026, the United States is now at risk of losing its measles elimination status.
Unlike hantavirus, measles spreads easily through the air. The virus can linger in a room for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. Health officials estimate that nine out of 10 unvaccinated people exposed to measles will become infected.
Measles usually begins with fever, cough, congestion, and red watery eyes before developing into a rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body. It can lead to serious short- and long-term complications, especially in young children and immunocompromised people.
Health experts stress that measles outbreaks are highly preventable through vaccination. When about 95 percent of a community is vaccinated, herd immunity helps protect vulnerable groups, including young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those who are immunocompromised. Getting vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine provides 97% protection from getting infected.
Ultimately, hantavirus is rare and difficult to spread, while measles remains one of the most contagious viruses in the world.
Most people experiencing flu-like symptoms are far more likely to have a common viral illness. Hantavirus symptoms can include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
Measles, meanwhile, often begins with fever, cough, congestion, and red watery eyes before developing into a rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body. Health officials say early recognition and treatment are important, and severe breathing symptoms or rapidly worsening illness should be treated as a medical emergency.