What we know about hantavirus

Hantavirus victims may have been infected prior to joining the cruise, and human-to-human transmission on board cannot be ruled out, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday. 

Two cases of hantavirus have been confirmed after three people died, one was left seriously ill and three reported mild symptoms in an outbreak onboard a cruise ship, MV Hondius, in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the WHO.

The outbreak is currently being managed through coordinated international response.

What do we know about this virus?

Transmission

Transmission of hantaviruses to humans occurs from contact with contaminated urine, droppings or saliva of infected rodents. Infection may also occur, although less commonly, through rodent bites.

Infection with hantaviruses can cause a range of illnesses, such as hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome, a rapidly progressive condition affecting the lungs and heart, and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, which primarily affects the kidneys and blood vessels.

Treatment

While there is no specific treatment that cures hantavirus diseases, early supportive medical care is key to improving survival and focuses on close clinical monitoring and management of respiratory, cardiac and kidney complications.

Prevention

Preventing hantavirus infection depends primarily on reducing contacts between people and rodents. 

Effective measures include: 

- keeping homes and workplaces clean; 

- sealing openings that allow rodents to enter buildings; 

- using safe cleaning practices in areas contaminated by rodents; 

- dampening of contaminated areas before cleaning;

- strengthening hand hygiene practices.

(With input from WHO)