What Is Hantavirus? Rare Rodent-Borne Disease Behind Cruise Ship Outbreak Explained
Hantavirus usually spreads by inhaling contaminated rodent droppings and can spread person-to-person, though that is rare, according to the WHO, whose top epidemic expert said the risk to the public is low.
An outbreak of the rare rodent-borne disease hantavirus aboard a cruise ship has left three passengers dead, raising concerns globally. However, health officials, including the World Health Organization (WHO), say the risk to the general public remains low as the virus does not spread easily between people.
Here’s what is known about hantavirus and the recent outbreak:
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a serious illness caused by a group of viruses mainly spread by rodents. Humans usually become infected after inhaling particles contaminated with rodent urine, saliva or droppings.
The virus has existed for centuries and is found in different parts of the world.
How did the cruise ship outbreak happen?
The WHO said investigations are underway to determine the exact source of exposure. Officials in Argentina suspect the passengers may have contracted the virus during a birdwatching trip in Ushuaia, in southern Argentina.
Investigators found evidence of the Andes virus, a strain of hantavirus found in South America.
Can hantavirus spread from person to person?
Most hantaviruses do not spread between humans. However, the Andes virus is one of the few strains known to occasionally spread through close and prolonged human contact.
Health officials stressed that widespread human transmission is extremely unlikely.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms often begin like the flu and may include:
Fever
Chills
Muscle pain
Headache
As the disease progresses, patients may develop breathing difficulties as fluid builds up in the lungs.
Another form of the disease, known as hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, can cause bleeding, kidney failure and high fever.
How deadly is it?
According to the CDC, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome has a fatality rate of around 35 percent. Death rates vary depending on the strain of the virus.
Is there a treatment?
There is currently no specific cure or antiviral treatment for hantavirus. However, early medical attention and supportive care can improve survival chances.
How can people protect themselves?
Experts say the best protection is avoiding exposure to rodents and their droppings. People are advised to:
Use gloves while cleaning rodent-infested areas
Use bleach or disinfectant solutions
Avoid sweeping or vacuuming droppings, which can release virus particles into the air
The outbreak has renewed attention on hantavirus, especially after Betsy Arakawa, wife of late actor Gene Hackman, reportedly died from a hantavirus infection in New Mexico last year.
