Geneva: Recent cases of hantavirus linked to an international cruise ship outbreak have drawn global attention to a disease that remains little known to many people but can become very dangerous in severe cases.
Health authorities across several countries are closely monitoring infections connected to the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius after passengers and crew members developed symptoms during the voyage. The outbreak has renewed public interest in hantavirus and how it spreads.
Hantavirus is a rare viral disease usually carried by rodents. People can become infected after coming into contact with infected rats or mice, especially through their urine, saliva or droppings. The virus can also spread when contaminated dust particles become airborne and are breathed in.
Doctors say the disease is not new. Hantavirus infections have been reported in different parts of the world for many years, especially in areas where people live or work close to rodents. Cases have been recorded in North and South America, Europe and parts of Asia.
According to the World Health Organization, there are several types of hantaviruses. Some mainly affect the lungs while others can damage the kidneys. The strain linked to the current cruise ship outbreak is believed to be the Andes virus, a form mostly found in South America.
The Andes strain has attracted special concern because it is one of the few hantaviruses known to spread from person to person in limited situations. However, experts stress that such transmission is uncommon and usually happens after very close contact with an infected person.
Medical experts say symptoms often begin like common flu. Patients may first experience fever, tiredness, headaches, muscle pain and chills. In some cases, the illness later develops into severe breathing problems as fluid builds up in the lungs.
Doctors warn that severe hantavirus infections can become life threatening if not treated quickly. Some patients require oxygen support or intensive care treatment. There is currently no specific cure or vaccine widely available for hantavirus infection, but early medical care can improve chances of recovery.
Health agencies say prevention mainly depends on avoiding contact with rodents and keeping living spaces clean. People are advised to safely clean rodent droppings, avoid touching dead rodents with bare hands and store food properly to prevent infestation.
Public health experts also recommend wearing protective masks and gloves while cleaning dusty areas such as abandoned buildings, barns, storage rooms or campsites where rodents may have been present.
The recent outbreak aboard the MV Hondius has become one of the most closely watched hantavirus incidents in recent years. Several confirmed infections and deaths have been reported among passengers from different countries. Authorities are continuing to trace contacts and monitor travellers who were on board the ship.
Health officials say the overall risk to the public remains low because the virus does not spread easily like influenza or COVID 19. Still, experts believe the outbreak is an important reminder that infectious diseases linked to wildlife can quickly become international concerns through global travel.
Scientists are now studying samples from the cruise ship cases to better understand how the virus spread and whether environmental exposure or close contact played the bigger role.
Medical researchers say climate change, environmental disruption and increased human contact with wildlife may also influence the spread of diseases carried by animals in the future.
For now, health authorities continue to urge calm while encouraging awareness about hantavirus symptoms and prevention methods. Travellers linked to affected areas or outbreaks are being advised to seek medical attention if they develop fever or breathing difficulties in the weeks after exposure.