A suspected outbreak of hantavirus a rare but potentially deadly rodent-borne disease aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic has triggered global health surveillance, after three people died and several others fell ill. Authorities, including the World Health Organization, say investigations are ongoing, with early findings suggesting that limited human-to-human transmission cannot be ruled out in this cluster.
The outbreak has been reported on the MV Hondius, which departed from Ushuaia, Argentina. Two infections have been confirmed so far, with five additional suspected cases among passengers. Around 147 people remain onboard as the vessel is monitored near Cape Verde, with plans underway to evacuate critically ill patients before continuing to the Canary Islands.
WHO: “Risk to public remains low”
WHO officials have emphasised caution without alarm. Maria Van Kerkhove, the agency’s Director for Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, said some infected individuals had close contact, raising the possibility of person-to-person spread. However, she stressed that hantavirus does not transmit easily.
“This is not a virus that spreads like flu or COVID,” WHO officials said, reiterating that the overall risk to the general public remains low.
Globally, only one strain the Andes virus, found mainly in parts of South America is known to spread between humans. Even in such cases, transmission is rare and typically requires prolonged close contact.
What is hantavirus and how does it spread?
Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through infected rodents, especially via their urine, droppings, or saliva. When these materials are disturbed such as during cleaning they can release virus particles into the air, which are then inhaled.
Most infections occur in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces like cabins, sheds, or storage areas. Human-to-human spread is extremely uncommon.
The virus has existed for centuries in rodent populations, with earlier outbreaks documented in Asia and Europe. It gained wider recognition after a 1993 outbreak in the United States, which led to the identification of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory illness.
Public attention to the disease increased last year after Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, died from a hantavirus infection.
Symptoms: starts like flu, can turn severe
Hantavirus infection often begins with flu-like symptoms, making early diagnosis difficult.
Early symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- Muscle aches and fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
Symptoms usually appear one to eight weeks after exposure. In severe cases, the disease progresses rapidly.
Advanced symptoms:
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness as lungs fill with fluid
In some regions, hantavirus can also cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), affecting the kidneys.
How dangerous is it?
The severity depends on the strain:
- Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS): ~35% fatality rate
- Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS): 1%-15% fatality
Once respiratory complications develop, the risk of death increases significantly.
Is it preventable?
Yes experts say hantavirus is largely preventable, as most infections stem from environmental exposure rather than human transmission.
Prevention steps include:
- Avoid contact with rodents and their droppings
- Seal homes and storage areas to prevent rodent entry
- Use gloves and disinfectants (like bleach) when cleaning
- Avoid sweeping or vacuuming contaminated areas, which can aerosolise the virus
- Ensure proper ventilation in enclosed spaces
Is there any treatment?
There is no specific cure or antiviral treatment currently available, and no widely used vaccine.
Treatment focuses on supportive care, including:
- Oxygen therapy
- Intensive care for severe lung involvement
Doctors say early hospitalisation improves survival chances, though many aspects of the disease including why it is severe in some patients and mild in others remain poorly understood.
Global status: rare but present worldwide
Hantavirus infections are sporadic and geographically varied:
- Asia & Europe: More commonly linked to kidney-related illness (HFRS)
- North & South America: Associated with severe lung disease (HPS)
- South America (Chile, Argentina): Andes strain capable of rare human transmission
Despite its high fatality rate in severe cases, the virus does not typically cause large outbreaks, as it does not spread efficiently between people.
The bigger picture
While the cruise ship incident has raised concern, health authorities underline that hantavirus remains a low-risk infection for the wider population. The current focus is on containment, investigation, and understanding whether this cluster represents an unusual transmission pattern.
For now, experts say the best defence remains simple: limit exposure to rodents and seek early medical care if symptoms appear after potential contact.
