What is the cruise ship hantavirus and how does it spread?

The cruise ship experiencing an outbreak of hantavirus is expected to dock in the Canary Islands by the weekend. Authorities have confirmed three cases and identified five additional suspected cases linked to the ship. Tragically, one passenger diagnosed with the virus has died, and two other deaths are currently being investigated.

The Andes strain of the virus has been confirmed in two passengers who have since been transported to South Africa, according to the country's health minister. The vessel, known as MV Hondius, was en route from Argentina, crossing the Atlantic towards Cape Verde.

What is the Andes strain of hantavirus?

Hantaviruses, a family of viruses named after a river in South Korea, encompass more than 20 distinct viral species, as noted by the World Health Organization (WHO). The majority of these are associated with rodent infections, primarily from rats and mice, through exposure to dried urine and droppings.

However, the Andes virus is recognized for its potential to transmit between humans, albeit infrequently. This strain has now been identified in passengers aboard the cruise ship and primarily occurs in Argentina and Chile.

A notable outbreak in Argentina occurred in late 2018, linked to a party where a single infected individual is believed to have transmitted the virus, resulting in 34 confirmed cases and 11 fatalities.

How does this change what happens next?

The WHO has been operating under the premise that the virus may spread through close personal contact aboard the ship, in addition to contact with infected rodents.

With the confirmation of the Andes virus, it becomes increasingly vital for both passengers and crew to practice the social distancing protocols that have become familiar during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, passengers are confined to their cabins to mitigate exposure, which should assist in controlling the situation.

Experts emphasize that key measures—including isolating infected individuals, encouraging regular handwashing, tracing and monitoring close contacts, and implementing stringent infection control protocols—will be essential in curbing the disease's spread.

The origin of the outbreak remains unclear. A Dutch couple who succumbed to the virus had traveled in South America prior to boarding the cruise at the beginning of April, suggesting they may have encountered the virus during their travels.

Additionally, given the cruise's itinerary through remote wildlife areas, there exists a possibility that a passenger may have encountered the virus during the voyage. Ongoing genetic testing may provide further insights into how the virus was introduced on board.

Experts assert that the risk of global infection remains low at this time, as there is currently no evidence suggesting transmission beyond the vessel.

How does hantavirus spread?

Typically, hantavirus spreads through close contact with rodent droppings, urine, and saliva. Infection often occurs when the virus becomes airborne, such as when particulate matter from rodent waste is disturbed.

Transmission can also result from a rodent bite.

The Andes strain is the only known variant with the potential for human-to-human transmission, though such cases are rare. When person-to-person transmission occurs, it typically involves prolonged, close contact with an infected individual exhibiting symptoms.

What are the symptoms and how deadly is hantavirus?

Hantavirus can lead to two serious illnesses. The first, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), may initially present with fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, later progressing to headaches, dizziness, chills, and gastrointestinal issues.

Subsequently, severe respiratory symptoms may occur, necessitating immediate medical intervention. This condition, closely associated with the Andes strain, has a mortality rate ranging from 20-40%.

The disease's incubation period is a complex factor, as symptoms may develop anywhere from one to eight weeks after exposure.

The second illness, Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), often starts with flu-like symptoms but can escalate to affect kidney function, potentially resulting in low blood pressure, internal bleeding, and acute kidney failure.

Is there a vaccine or treatment for hantavirus?

Currently, there is no specific treatment for hantavirus infections. However, timely medical intervention can significantly enhance survival rates. Recommended treatments may include oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and, in severe cases, dialysis.

Patients exhibiting critical symptoms may require hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) support. Ongoing clinical trials are exploring new treatment options.

Presently, comprehensive vaccines are not available to prevent hantavirus infections, though some vaccines are in use in China and South Korea for strains prevalent in those regions.

How many cases of hantavirus are reported globally?

The National Institutes of Health estimate around 150,000 cases of HFRS occur globally each year, predominantly in Europe and Asia, with over half of the reported cases typically arising in China.

According to recent data from the United States, there have been 890 cases of hantavirus recorded from 1993 to 2023.

Have there been recent hantavirus cases?

In February 2025, Betsy Arakawa, the spouse of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, tragically passed away from a respiratory illness linked to hantavirus. Medical investigations suggest that Arakawa contracted HPS, the most common strain in the United States, which ultimately led to her demise.

Her home contained nests and deceased rodents in outbuildings where she was discovered.