Invisible threat on board: Hantavirus suspected after passenger's death

(Patria) - Three people have died following suspected Hantavirus infection on a cruise ship sailing the Atlantic Ocean, the World Health Organization confirmed. One case of infection has been confirmed, while five other suspected cases are being intensively investigated.

The outbreak was recorded on the cruise ship MV Hondius, which was sailing from Argentina to the Cape Verde Islands, BBC reports.

The WHO stated that detailed investigations are underway, including additional laboratory testing, to determine the nature and extent of the infection.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses transmitted by rodents, and they are most commonly transmitted to humans by inhaling particles from the dried feces, urine, or saliva of infected animals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infection typically occurs when the virus becomes airborne and is inhaled, while bites or scratches are a rarer mode of transmission.

This virus can cause two serious diseases. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) begins with symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, and can later lead to severe respiratory problems, with a mortality rate of about 38 percent. The other form, Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), primarily affects the kidneys and can cause low blood pressure, internal bleeding, and acute kidney failure.

Prevalence and Treatment

It is estimated that around 150,000 cases of Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome are registered worldwide annually, mostly in Europe and Asia. In the United States, 890 cases have been recorded from 1993 to 2023.

There is no specific cure for Hantavirus. Treatment is based on supportive care, including oxygen, mechanical ventilation, and, in severe cases, dialysis. Patients with serious symptoms often require treatment in intensive care units.

Key preventive measures include avoiding contact with rodents, sealing openings through which they can enter living spaces, and using protective equipment when cleaning areas contaminated by their droppings.