health
May 4, 2026
What is hantavirus, the strange infection that killed three people on a cruise ship and is causing global alert
The confirmation of a case of hantavirus and the analysis of five more suspected cases have focused global attention on the investigations currently led by...
TL;DR
- A confirmed case and five suspected cases of hantavirus were detected on the MV Hondius cruise ship.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) is leading investigations and conducting additional laboratory tests.
- Hantavirus is transmitted by rodents, primarily through inhalation of contaminated excrement particles, but also via bites or scratches.
- Infection can lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), with a mortality rate of approximately 38%, or Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), affecting the kidneys.
- Globally, 150,000 to 200,000 cases of HFRS are reported annually, with over half occurring in China.
- The Seoul virus, a primary strain transmitted by the Norway rat, is found worldwide.