What Is Hantavirus:The suspected outbreak of Hantavirus which occurred on the cruise ship MV Hondius has resulted in three deaths. Multiple passengers experienced illness which triggered worldwide health alarm and World Health Organization investigation.
The general public faces low risk according to authorities but the incident has brought forth inquiries about this uncommon virus which can result in death.
What is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a collection of viruses which rodents maintain as their primary viral carriers. People become infected through direct contact with rodent urine droppings and saliva after they breathe in infected particles.
“Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa,” the World Health Organization said in a statement on Sunday.
There are two main forms of hantavirus infection:
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): Affects the lungs and is more severe because it appears more often in the Americas.
- Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS): This condition affects the kidneys and occurs more frequently in Europe and Asia.
“But another possibility is that during a stop somewhere in South America, people were infected, for instance via mice, and became ill that way. That all still needs to be investigated”, a spokesperson for the Netherlands’ National Institute for Public Health (RIVM), which is assisting, said.
Signs and Symptoms of Hantavirus
The disease begins with flu-like symptoms which make early detection difficult because they mimic other conditions.
Early symptoms
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Nausea or abdominal pain
Severe symptoms (later stage)
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing and fluid in lungs
- Low blood pressure
- Kidney failure (in some cases)
- Respiratory failure (life-threatening)
HPS cases particularly present a risk for patients because HPS symptoms can deteriorate within a few days.
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How deadly is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is an uncommon virus which causes high fatalities for certain people:
- HPS fatality rate: ~30% to 60%
- HFRS fatality rate: <1% to 15%
“While rare, hantavirus may spread between people, and can lead to severe respiratory illness and requires careful patient monitoring, support and response,” the organization says.
The current outbreak demonstrates that the disease can become life-threatening when patients experience complications which lead to respiratory failure.
How does it spread?
- Inhalation of virus from rodent-contaminated dust.
- Direct contact with infected rodents or surfaces.
- Rarely, human-to-human transmission (specific strains like Andes virus) .
Health experts emphasize that it does not spread easily like COVID-19 or flu.
Preventions
Health authorities recommend simple but effective precautions:
1. Avoid rodent exposure.
2. Do not sweep dry dust in rodent-infested areas. Use disinfectants and wear gloves/masks
3. Seek medical help immediately if flu-like symptoms worsen into breathing issues
4. People should exercise caution in both rural locations and areas with poor air circulation. People should follow health advisories during outbreak periods
Should you be worried?
The majority of people experience low danger because hantavirus infections only develop through direct contact with infected rodents which is rare. “The risk to the wider public remains low. There is no need for panic or travel restrictions,” WHO regional director for Europe, Hans Kluge, said in a statement.
“Hantavirus infections are uncommon and usually linked to exposure to infected rodents. While severe in some cases, it is not easily transmitted between people,” Kluge said. The recent outbreak shows that proper hygiene practices together with timely medical treatment should be maintained to achieve rapid recovery.
