What is hantavirus and how does it spread after three die in suspected outbreak on cruise ship
There is no known treatment or vaccine for hantavirus, which can be fatal to humans
Three people on a cruise ship have died after a suspected outbreak of the hantavirus.
Another two crew members, a British and a Dutch national, are currently showing respiratory symptoms, with both requiring urgent medical care according to tour operator Oceanwide Expeditions.
The ship, which is currently waiting for help off the coast of Cape Verde, has 149 people on board, representing over 23 different nationalities. Local health authorities have visited and assessed the situation, with strict precautionary measures on board, including isolation measures, hygiene protocols and medical monitoring.
Hantavirus is a rare but serious disease that can be spread to humans through the droppings or urine of infected rodents. There is no known treatment or vaccine for the virus, which can be fatal to humans.
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a rare disease that can be spread to humans through the droppings or urine of infected rodents. They can cause two serious infections in humans, haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), both of which can be fatal.
About 150,000 cases of HFRS are thought to occur annually worldwide. Whilst cases of HPS are more common in South America, having been identified in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Panama and Uruguay and Venezuela.
Human-to-human transmission is not common; however, the Andes virus, which causes HPS in Argentina and Chile, is the only hantavirus known to have been transmitted from person to person.
What are the symptoms of hantavirus?
The initial symptoms of hantavirus can be similar to those of a viral infection such as the flu or Covid-19, with patients experiencing fatigue, fever, chills and aches. Depending on the strain, as time goes on, the virus can cause organ damage, with those infected suffering organ failure and even death.
There is no specific viral treatment or vaccine for hantavirus, with care focused on supportive measures such as monitoring symptoms and managing complications.
How is the hantavirus spread?
Hantavirus is spread to humans through contact with the droppings, saliva or urine of infected rodents.
Preventing infection involves keeping homes and workplaces clean, following hand hygiene practises, using safe cleaning practices in areas contaminated by rodents, and safely disposing of droppings.
The risk of catching hantavirus in the UK is “very low”, with very few cases of infection recorded.
You can find more information about hantavirus, signs and symptoms and who is at risk of infection on GOV.UK.