EXPLAINER: What to know about the deadly hantavirus

05 May 2026, 09:41 by Muhibat Sulaimon · TheCable Lifestyle

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently revealed that three passengers on a small cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean died following a suspected hantavirus outbreak.

The incident occurred on the polar cruise ship MV Hondius, which was travelling between Argentina and Cape Verde.

Two of the victims were a Dutch couple, while the third was a German national. However, the exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Meanwhile, hantavirus has been confirmed in the case of a 69-year-old UK national who is currently in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The situation has sparked curiosity about what the virus is. Without further ado, here are things you should know about hantavirus.

WHAT IS HANTAVIRUS?

Orthohantaviruses, commonly known as hantaviruses, are a group of viruses primarily transmitted to humans through contact with the urine, faeces, or saliva of infected rodents.

Studies show that there are at least 38 recognised species of hantavirus globally, 24 of which are known to cause disease in humans. Rodents such as mice and rats serve as natural reservoirs for these viruses.

Humans typically become infected through exposure to contaminated rodent urine, saliva, or droppings, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. Although rare, transmission can also occur through rodent bites or scratches.

The risk of infection is highest among people who clean, work, or live in areas where infected rodents are present, particularly where dried droppings or urine may become airborne.

Hantaviruses cause two main syndromes: haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).

HPS is mostly found in the western hemisphere, including the United States, and is commonly spread by the deer mouse. It is a severe and potentially fatal disease that affects the lungs, with a fatality rate of about 40% in the Americas.

HFRS, on the other hand, occurs mainly in Europe and Asia and is characterised by fever, bleeding tendencies, and kidney damage, with a fatality rate estimated between 1% and 15%.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?

Hantavirus symptoms vary depending on the specific syndrome, but generally progress in two stages. The early phase often resembles the flu, which can lead to misdiagnosis, while the later phase may result in severe respiratory or kidney complications.

The virus can have a long incubation period, typically ranging from one to eight weeks.

For hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), symptoms usually appear one to eight weeks after exposure to an infected rodent. Early symptoms include:

Fatigue
Fever
Muscle aches, especially in the thighs, hips, back, and sometimes shoulders
Headaches
Dizziness
Chills
Abdominal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain

Four to ten days after the initial phase, late symptoms may develop, including:

Coughing
Chest tightness as the lungs fill with fluid
Shortness of breath
Low blood pressure
Irregular heart rate

For haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), symptoms usually develop within one to two weeks after exposure, though in rare cases they may take up to eight weeks. Initial symptoms begin suddenly and include:

intense headaches
back and abdominal pain
fever/chills
nausea
blurred vision
Flushing of the face, inflammation or redness of the eyes, or a rash.

Later symptoms can include:

low blood pressure
lack of blood flow (acute shock)
internal bleeding (vascular leakage)
acute kidney failure, which can cause severe fluid overload

HOW IS HANTAVIRUS TREATED?

There is no specific cure or vaccine for hantavirus. Treatment focuses on supportive care after a patient has been diagnosed, including rest, hydration, and management of symptoms.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) can cause severe breathing difficulties, so patients may require respiratory support such as intubation. This involves inserting a tube through the mouth into the lungs to help deliver oxygen. Other forms of care may include oxygen therapy, fluid management, blood pressure support, and mechanical ventilation.

Haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), on the other hand, affects kidney function. Patients may require dialysis to remove toxins from the blood and maintain proper fluid balance when the kidneys are not functioning effectively.

HOW CAN HANTAVIRUS INFECTION BE PREVENTED?

Preventing hantavirus infection mainly involves keeping rodents away from living and working spaces. This includes homes, cabins, vehicles, and storage areas.

When cleaning areas that may contain rodent droppings, urine, saliva, or nesting materials, it is important to wear protective gloves such as rubber or plastic.

Seal any holes or openings in your home or garage to prevent rodents from gaining access. Setting traps around the house can also help reduce their presence.

In addition, ensure that food and waste are properly stored and disposed of to avoid attracting rodents.

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