A British cruise ship traveling across the Atlantic to Cape Verde has been hit by a suspected hantavirus outbreak, resulting in three deaths. The World Health Organisation reports five suspected cases on the MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions. Among them is a British national in intensive care in Johannesburg with a confirmed case. Medical experts explain the risks and what you need to know.
What Is Hantavirus and How Is It Spread?
Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses carried by rodents, primarily rats and mice. Pharmacist Thorrun Govind explains that infection occurs through exposure to rodent urine and droppings. The virus becomes airborne when these materials dry out, and prolonged contact with contaminated areas increases risk. Transmission can also occur through touching contaminated surfaces or, rarely, bites or scratches. Person-to-person spread is extremely uncommon, unlike COVID-19 or flu.
There are two main illnesses caused by hantavirus: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which affects the lungs, and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), which impacts the kidneys. The incubation period ranges from two days to eight weeks, typically two to four weeks.
Early Symptoms of Hantavirus
Early signs often mimic the flu, including fatigue, fever, headache, and muscle aches, particularly in the thighs, hips, back, and shoulders. As HPS progresses, about half of patients experience headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Late symptoms, appearing four to 10 days later, include coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness as fluid fills the lungs.
For HFRS, initial symptoms include intense headaches, back and abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, blurred vision, eye inflammation, or a rash. Later stages involve low blood pressure, acute shock, internal bleeding, and acute kidney failure.
Mortality Rate and Treatment
Hantavirus can be fatal. Around 38% of those developing respiratory symptoms may die, though mortality varies by strain. Hantaan and Dobrava viruses cause severe symptoms with 5–15% fatality, while Seoul, Saaremaa, and Puumala strains have less than 1% mortality. Elderly and immunosuppressed individuals are at higher risk.
There is no specific cure. Treatment involves hospitalization, monitoring, and supportive care, such as oxygen therapy for breathing difficulties and monitoring of heart, lungs, and kidneys. Antivirals are not standard.
Is Hantavirus in the UK?
Yes, but it is extremely rare. Since 2012, only six cases of acute kidney injury due to hantavirus have been reported in the UK, with 11 possible cases overall. Dr. Govind advises not to worry about a pandemic.
Prevention Tips
To avoid infection, minimize contact with rodents. When cleaning areas with possible droppings, avoid creating dust and wear protective equipment like face masks and goggles. Maintain personal hygiene and call professionals to handle rodent infestations. Seal holes in homes and garages, set traps, and remove food sources that attract rodents.
