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Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship, 3 dead so far, several others infected

2026-05-04 10:17:38Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
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Three people have died after a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. One case has been confirmed so far, while five others are under investigation, according to the WHO. The WHO reports that investigations, including laboratory testing, are ongoing.

According to the WHO, investigations into suspected hantavirus cases are ongoing, including further laboratory testing.

The explosion was reported aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, which was traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde.

What is hantavirus?

Hantavirus refers to a type of virus carried by rodents, which is primarily transmitted to humans through the inhalation of airborne particles from dried rodent droppings.

Infections usually occur when the virus is spread through the air from a rodent's urine, feces, or saliva, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Although rare, it can also be spread through rodent bites or scratches.

The virus can cause two serious illnesses. The first, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), often begins with fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, followed by headache, dizziness, chills, and abdominal pain. If respiratory symptoms develop, the mortality rate is approximately 38%, according to the CDC.

The second disease, Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), is more severe and primarily affects the kidneys. Later symptoms can include low blood pressure, internal bleeding, and acute kidney failure.

How many cases of Hantavirus are reported globally?

According to a report from the National Institutes of Health, about 150,000 cases of HFRS are reported worldwide each year, mostly in Europe and Asia. More than half of the cases typically occur in China.


The latest data from the US shows that from 1993, when hantavirus surveillance began, to 2023, there have been 890 cases in the country.

However, Seoul virus, one of the main types of hantavirus spread by Norway rats (also known as brown rats), is found throughout the world, including the US.

How is it treated?

There is no specific treatment for hantavirus infections.

The CDC recommends supportive care to treat symptoms that may include oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, antiviral medications, and even dialysis.

Patients with severe symptoms may need to be hospitalized in intensive care units. In severe cases, some may need to be intubated.

The CDC recommends eliminating contact with rodents at home or in workplaces to reduce exposure to the virus.

The agency also recommends sealing entry points in basements or attics where rodents can enter the home.

It is also suggested to wear protective equipment when cleaning up rodent droppings to avoid breathing in contaminated air.

Have there been any cases of hantavirus recently?

In February 2025, Betsy Arakawa, wife of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, died of a respiratory illness linked to hantavirus.

Medical investigators believe Arakawa contracted HPS - the most common type in the US - which led to her death.

Nests and several dead rodents were found in the side buildings of her home where she was found.

Police records showed that Arakawa searched the internet for information about flu and Covid symptoms a few days before he died.


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