5 viral cartoons about the hantavirus outbreak

Artists take on rat summits, viral moments, and more

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A group of four rats are speaking to each other. One of them is labeled “Hantavirus.” That one says, “What a perfect time for RFK Jr to be in charge!”

(Image credit: John Deering / Copyright 2026 Creators Syndicate)

A spiked COVID-19 germ smiles at a hantavirus germ that’s also smiling. The hantavirus says,”I’m ready for my closeup!”

(Image credit: Bob Englehart / Copyright 2026 Cagle Cartoons, Inc.)

Two bored-looking men are on a boat, staring at the sea. One says, “We’ve been stuck on this ship for weeks with this Strait of Hormuz blockade! Sigh. Can it get any worse?” The other man responds, “Sir, we have a hantavirus outbreak on board.”

(Image credit: Dave Whamond / Copyright 2026 Cagle Cartoons, Inc.)

Two rats labeled “Hantavirus” look at RFK Jr., who wears Mickey Mouse ears and holds a paper that says, “Mickey Mousing around with Health Care.” One rat says, “There’s something about this guy I like!”

(Image credit: Joe Heller / Copyright 2026 Hellertoon.com)

The words at the bottom of this cartoon read, “Hantavirus: Disease of the pulmonary system commonly spread by rodents.” The image depicts a rat with RFK Jr.’s face. RFK Jr. says, “We don’t need the CDC, there’s nothing pushups and peptides won’t fix.”

(Image credit: Drew Sheneman / Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency)

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