STAT+: The hantavirus outbreak is prompting Covid flashbacks — including the conspiracies

STAT PlusHealth The hantavirus outbreak is prompting Covid flashbacks — including the conspiracies Ironically, the public health establishment and the conspiracists seem to agree on the big picture Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Tal Kopan — Boston GlobeMay 17, 2026 WASHINGTON — The deadly outbreak of a rare strain of hantavirus on a cruise has generated echoes of the pandemic era, including a reprise of a familiar drumbeat of questionable theories from social media personalities prominent for their Covid-19 skepticism. At the moment, ironically, the public health establishment and the conspiracists challenging it actually seem to agree on the big picture: Hantavirus is not like the Covid-19 virus, and for now, the risk to the general public remains low.Advertisement But the speed at which a handful of people who became influential amid Covid-19 have begun recycling theories, from baseless suggestions about the origin of the current outbreak to unproven treatments, illustrates a new reality for any emerging public health threat. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In Covid-19, global health, infectious diseases, public health, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Tal Kopan — Boston Globe Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Politics May 17, 2026 STAT Plus: Sen. Bill Cassidy loses primary as race heads to run-off in win for Trump Health May 17, 2026 WHO declares Ebola outbreak an international public health emergency Advertisement Politics May 16, 2026 Trump blasts ‘disloyal’ Sen. Cassidy while pushing challenger in Louisiana Republican primary First Opinion May 16, 2026 Marty Makary misunderstood something fundamental about the FDA First Opinion Podcast May 16, 2026 The cloudy truth about ‘blue zones’ Subscriber Picks