A hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship has left three passengers dead and others sickened. On Thursday, the World Health Organization said that five infections have been confirmed among people connected to the cruise ship MV Hondius.Three people – a Dutch couple and a German national – have died since the vessel departed Argentina last month. The first suspected case was a 70-year-old Dutchman, who died on board on April 11.Here’s what to know about hantavirus and the outbreak on the cruise ship.What is hantavirus?Hantavirus is a respiratory virus that typically causes flu-like symptoms and severe lung or organ problems. Although rare, hantavirus is potentially deadly.The virus is often carried by mice and other rodents.Symptoms include fatigue, fever and muscle aches. Some people also experience headaches, dizziness, chills and abdominal problems such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If left untreated, other symptoms may appear, including coughing and shortness of breath.Video below: WHO holds press conference on hantavirusHow does hantavirus spread? How contagious is it?Hantavirus is mainly spread by contact with rodents or their urine, saliva or droppings, particularly when the material is disturbed and becomes airborne, posing a risk of inhalation.Human-to-human spread of hantavirus is rare but can occur with certain strains – including the Andes strain, which has been linked to the outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship. However, global health officials say the risk of a widespread outbreak remains low.Is hantavirus in the United States?Hantavirus was first recognized in the United States in 1993.Health authorities in the U.S. said they are monitoring three people who previously disembarked the MV Hondius cruise ship and returned home. Officials in Georgia said two residents are under observation and have shown no symptoms. Arizona health authorities said one person is also asymptomatic. Texas health authorities said two passengers have returned home and are also asymptomatic. Other American passengers had returned to Virginia, MedPageToday reported.Is there a cure for hantavirus and how can it be prevented?There is no specific treatment or cure, but early medical attention to treat symptoms can increase the chance of survival.The virus can be mild for some people and severe for others. The best way to avoid hantavirus is to minimize contact with rodents and their droppings. Use protective gloves and a bleach solution for cleaning up rodent droppings. Public health experts caution against sweeping or vacuuming, which can cause virus particles to get into the air. Can hantavirus become a pandemic similar to COVID-19? The World Health Organization on Thursday said while it expects more cases to emerge, it does not anticipate a large epidemic anywhere similar to COVID-19, and underlined that there is no evidence of a widespread transmission risk.Video below: WHO’s Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove explains hantavirus outbreak: ‘This is not COVID’The Associated Press and CNN contributed to this report.
A hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship has left three passengers dead and others sickened.
On Thursday, the World Health Organization said that five infections have been confirmed among people connected to the cruise ship MV Hondius.
Three people – a Dutch couple and a German national – have died since the vessel departed Argentina last month. The first suspected case was a 70-year-old Dutchman, who died on board on April 11.
Here’s what to know about hantavirus and the outbreak on the cruise ship.
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a respiratory virus that typically causes flu-like symptoms and severe lung or organ problems. Although rare, hantavirus is potentially deadly.
The virus is often carried by mice and other rodents.
Symptoms include fatigue, fever and muscle aches. Some people also experience headaches, dizziness, chills and abdominal problems such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If left untreated, other symptoms may appear, including coughing and shortness of breath.
Video below: WHO holds press conference on hantavirus
How does hantavirus spread? How contagious is it?
Hantavirus is mainly spread by contact with rodents or their urine, saliva or droppings, particularly when the material is disturbed and becomes airborne, posing a risk of inhalation.
Human-to-human spread of hantavirus is rare but can occur with certain strains – including the Andes strain, which has been linked to the outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship.
However, global health officials say the risk of a widespread outbreak remains low.
Is hantavirus in the United States?
Hantavirus was first recognized in the United States in 1993.
Health authorities in the U.S. said they are monitoring three people who previously disembarked the MV Hondius cruise ship and returned home.
Officials in Georgia said two residents are under observation and have shown no symptoms. Arizona health authorities said one person is also asymptomatic. Other American passengers had returned to Texas and Virginia, MedPageToday reported.
Is there a cure for hantavirus and how can it be prevented?
There is no specific treatment or cure, but early medical attention to treat symptoms can increase the chance of survival.
The virus can be mild for some people and severe for others.
The best way to avoid hantavirus is to minimize contact with rodents and their droppings. Use protective gloves and a bleach solution for cleaning up rodent droppings. Public health experts caution against sweeping or vacuuming, which can cause virus particles to get into the air.
Can hantavirus become a pandemic similar to COVID-19?
The World Health Organization on Thursday said while it expects more cases to emerge, it does not anticipate a large epidemic anywhere similar to COVID-19, and underlined that there is no evidence of a widespread transmission risk.
Video below: WHO’s Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove explains hantavirus outbreak: ‘This is not COVID’
The Associated Press and CNN contributed to this report.
