What is the incubation period of hantavirus?

Hantavirus incubation typically ranges from 1 to 8 weeks after exposure, with most cases presenting symptoms 2-4 weeks after contact. This long incubation is a key reason WHO continues active monitoring of MV Hondius passengers and contacts: with passengers having disembarked at Saint Helena on 24 April 2026 and now in 6 countries, new cases could emerge as late as mid-June 2026. Travelers who returned from Argentina, Chile, or Uruguay between November 2025 and May 2026, especially with rodent exposure, should remain alert for symptoms within this window and consult a physician promptly if they appear.