health
May 6, 2026
Hantavirus: What it is and Why it's Causing Concern After Possible Outbreak on South Atlantic Cruise
Hantavirus is mainly transmitted by rodents. Photo: iStock
TL;DR
- Hantaviruses are causing international concern due to a potential outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius.
- These viruses are transmitted by rodents through saliva, urine, and excrement, entering the human body via bites, contaminated surfaces, or inhalation.
- Symptoms can include fever, muscle pain, headache, severe respiratory difficulties, cardiac compromise, and kidney issues, depending on the variant.
- There are no specific vaccines or treatments for hantavirus infections; care is supportive.
- The risk increases in rural areas, near forests and farms, and in poorly ventilated buildings with rodent presence.
- Hantavirus variants cause different diseases, with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome common in Europe/Asia and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in the Americas.
- Mortality rates can reach up to 15%, depending on the viral strain and patient's condition.