altona Diagnostics provides the RealStar® Hantavirus-HPS RT-PCR Kit 1.0 (RUO), which is a reagent system, based on real-time PCR technology, for the qualitative detection of RNA specific for hantavirus causing pulmonary syndrome (HPS).
The capability of our assays to detect circulating viral variants is regularly verified through in silico analysis. We have confirmed that the recent species Orthohantavirus andesense (ANDV/Switzerland/Hu-3337/2026) is detected by the RealStar® Hantavirus-HPS RT-PCR Kit 1.0 (RUO).
Recent global hantavirus developments in 2026
A rare outbreak of Andes hantavirus aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius has prompted an international health response, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Several passengers developed severe respiratory illness during the voyage, and multiple countries have launched contact tracing efforts.
Health officials confirmed that the virus involved is the Andes strain, one of the few hantaviruses capable of spreading between humans through close contact. WHO reported eight confirmed cases linked to the ship, including three deaths, making it one of the most serious hantavirus incidents connected to cruise travel in recent years.
Authorities, including WHO and European health agencies, are monitoring passengers and crew while investigating how the outbreak spread onboard. Despite the seriousness of the cases, experts say the overall risk to the public remains low because transmission usually requires prolonged close contact.
Argentina saw at least 8 hantavirus pulmonary syndrome deaths in early 2026, following up to 20 in late 2025. Additional reports in 2026: first hantavirus syndrome death in Taipei, Taiwan; first positive rodent in California, USA. Globally around 150,000 HFRS cases are reported yearly, mostly in Europe and Asia.
More kits for hantavirus detection
Besides the RealStar® Hantavirus-HPS RT-PCR Kit 1.0 (RUO) altona Diagnostics also offers the RealStar® Hantavirus-HFRS RT-PCR Kit 1.0 (RUO), which is based on real-time PCR technology, for the qualitative detection and differentiation of RNA specific for hantavirus causing hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).
altona Diagnostics RUO PCR tools aid research for surveillance and early detection in public health responses.
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