Health organizations are still examining an alleged outbreak of hantavirus on board the MV Hondius cruise liner in the Atlantic Ocean due to a number of passengers contracting the disease while the ship sailed between Argentina and Cape Verde. There is a confirmed case, together with some suspected cases, which has resulted in tests being undertaken by the WHO.The BBC, based on information obtained from the WHO and the CDC of the United States, discusses the nature of the hantavirus and the risks of contracting it.What is hantavirus?Hantavirus can be defined as a category of viruses transmitted by rodents to human beings via the air containing tiny dust particles coming from the dried-up waste products, including droppings, urine, or saliva of these animals. The disease is spread by inhaling air in areas where there are rodents. According to health specialists, closed and poorly ventilated places pose high risks of transmission of the disease.There are two main diseases associated with hantavirus. These are hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The former starts with signs such as fever and tiredness followed by breathing problems after developing seriously. CDC data reveal that the death toll stands at 38 percent if there are complications to the lungs.How many cases of hantavirus are reported globally?According to epidemiological findings, the rate of hantavirus infections is not high; however, such cases are still prevalent in certain parts of the world.According to NIH, the prevalence of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome stands at about 150,000 cases annually, where Europe and Asia register the most infections. It is estimated that most cases originate from China.Within the US, it has been recorded that there were a total of 890 cases of hantavirus from 1993 until 2023 after systematic surveillance was introduced. The scientific community has found the Seoul virus strain carried by Norway rats in various parts of the world.How is it treated?Hantavirus infection is managed using supportive measures since there is no specific antiviral drug to treat the condition. Healthcare providers administer oxygen to the affected person while monitoring fluid balance. In cases where the condition worsens, the intensive care unit provides advanced care for the respiratory system. Dialysis is applied when the kidneys are affected.Early diagnosis is vital in treating hantavirus infection. The health practitioners emphasize prompt medical examination of the patients with signs that suggest hantavirus infection.Have there been recent hantavirus cases?Recent cases have heightened concern about the virus besides the current investigation at sea. In February 2025, Mrs. Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman, passed away due to respiratory disease attributed to hantavirus infection. Evidence of rats’ presence around her dwelling complemented medical findings of exposure.Health experts are investigating the ship MV Hondius to establish the mechanism of infection. Health officials emphasize the need for prevention through rodent control, covering entry points into structures, and the use of personal protective equipment while cleaning.
