An outbreak of Hantavirus on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean have killed three people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The ship was sailing from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde and the WHO officials are now investigating the rare disease which is transmitted to humans from rodents.

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Hantavirus outbreak: What is it?

Orthohantaviruses, more commonly known as hantaviruses, are a group of viruses primarily found in rodents, but they can also infect humans. It is a rare but severe respiratory illness that can cause severe bleeding, fever and even death.

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How does it spread?

Hantaviruses are mostly spread by rodents, such as mice and rats, mainly through the urine and droppings of infected animals. Typically, it does not spread from person to person but in rare cases, it may spread between people. Globally, there are an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 cases of hantavirus each year. It is less contagious than airborne viruses such as COVID and influenza.

What are the symptoms of Hanthavirus?

The time from infection with the hantavirus to the start of illness is usually about 2 to 3 weeks. Most common signs and symptoms of Hantavirus are:

Fever and chills

Muscle aches or pain

Headache

Nausea

Stomach pain

Vomiting

Diarrhea

As the disease progresses, it can lead to damaged lung tissues, fluid build-up in the lungs, and serious problems with lung and heart function. Some other signs are:

Cough

Difficulty breathing

Low blood pressure

Irregular heart rate

Hantavirus prevention tips

Though cases of hantavirus remain are extremely rare, you should seek medical attention if you see symptoms of Hantavirus. Some of the tips are:

Prevent exposure to rodents (main carriers of Hantavirus)

Seal cracks, holes, and entry points in homes

Store food in airtight containers; keep garbage covered

Avoid sweeping/vacuuming rodent droppings; disinfect and wipe instead

Wear gloves and a mask while cleaning contaminated areas

Air out closed spaces before entering (cabins, basements)

Keep surroundings clean; remove clutter, woodpiles, tall grass

Use traps to control rodent population

Wash hands thoroughly after cleaning or handling waste