Hantavirus Explained: Rare Rodent-Borne Disease Linked to Cruise Ship Deaths

Health authorities say Hantavirus, linked to recent deaths aboard a cruise ship in the southern Atlantic, is a rare but potentially fatal disease transmitted primarily through infected rodents.

Dutch operator Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed it is managing a serious medical situation on board the vessel travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde, following reports of fatalities.

According to global health experts, hantaviruses are carried by rodents such as rats and mice, which shed the virus through saliva, urine and droppings. Humans can become infected through contact with contaminated materials or by inhaling infected dust particles, particularly in rural or forested environments.

The disease can lead to severe respiratory and cardiac complications, as well as haemorrhagic fever. There are currently no vaccines or specific antiviral treatments, with care focused on managing symptoms.

Experts note that human-to-human transmission is extremely rare, and the overall risk to the public remains low. Hans Kluge of the World Health Organization has said there is no need for panic or travel restrictions.

Symptoms often begin with flu-like signs such as fever, headache and muscle aches, but can progress to coughing, breathing difficulties and, in severe cases, organ failure. Depending on the strain, the disease may also affect kidney function.

Health agencies estimate that hantavirus pulmonary syndrome has a fatality rate of about 40 percent in the Americas, while haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, more common in Europe and Asia, has a lower mortality rate.

Source: Vanguard/Agencies