What is hantavirus? Three people have died and three are still ill on a Netherlands-based cruise ship after it was hit by a suspected outbreak of the deadly virus, according to authorities on Sunday.
Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried primarily by rodents and transmitted to humans through environmental exposure. The World Health Organization (WHO) says infection most often occurs when people inhale airborne particles contaminated with the urine, faeces or saliva of infected rodents.
In the Americas, hantavirus can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare but severe illness that affects the lungs. In Europe and parts of Asia, related strains tend to cause kidney disease, known as haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome.
WHO says hantavirus infection is usually linked to environmental exposure, rather than direct contact with infected people.
The Andes strain of hantavirus, found largely in Argentina and Chile, is the only known variant that can spread through close, prolonged human-to-human contact. The WHO believes this is the strain responsible of the infections on the cruise ship.
Situations that increase risk include:
Rodent bites are a possible but uncommon route of transmission.
Sympoms typicaly begin between one and eight weeks after exposure. Early symptoms are often non‑specific and may resemble other viral illnesses. WHO lists common early signs as:
In severe cases, particularly hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, symptoms can progress rapidly to:
WHO says hantavirus infections can be life‑threatening and require careful monitoring, respiratory support and intensive medical care.
In the Americas, the infection can cause hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome, which progresses quickly and leads to fluid buildup in the lungs along with heart complications.
Fatality rates from hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome are up to 50%, the WHO says, compared to 1-15% from the infections common in Asia and Europe.
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment. Therapy focuses on rest and fluid intake. In serious cases, patients may need breathing support such as a ventilator.
While hantavirus infections are considered rare, the WHO estimates there are between 10,000 and 100,000 cases of the virus each year. The severity of the virus depends on the particular strain acquired.
The WHO says the risk to the wider public remains low.
In December 2025, the WHO's Americas branch warned that infections were rising in the region, particularly in Bolivia and Paraguay. In Brazil and Argentina, where the most cases are reported, the two countries have seen increasing lethality of the infection.
Argentina reported 21 deaths last year, a 32% fatality rate among the 66 who contracted hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, compared with a 15% average over the past four years.
Concert pianist Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in New Mexico in 2025. According to autopsy results.
Fatality rates vary by virus strain, but the WHO says some forms, including HPS, have high mortality and demand rapid diagnosis and treatment.
According to the WHO, person‑to‑person transmission of hantavirus is very rare. Most infections occur through contact with rodent‑contaminated environments.
Limited human‑to‑human transmission has been documented only in specific circumstances involving a strain found in South America, and requires close contact. As a result, widespread transmission between people is not considered typical.
WHO advises that prevention focuses on reducing exposure to rodents and contaminated spaces. Key measures include:
When suspected cases arise, WHO supports laboratory testing, epidemiological investigations, risk assessments and coordination between countries, particularly when cases involve international travel or transport.
WHO says hantavirus infections, though rare, can escalate quickly and lead to severe illness or death. Public awareness, early medical attention and adherence to prevention guidance are critical to limiting risk and protecting public health.
President Donald Trump said Iran is keen to reach a deal with the United States, claiming Washington had paused engagement to allow funeral ceremonies...
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to use next week's NATO summit in Ankara to advance his push for greater European responsibility in secur...
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 4 July, covering the latest developments you need to know....
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump on the 250th anniversary of American independence, saying Russia and th...
China said on Saturday it had launched a coast guard patrol east of Taiwan, prompting a strong protest from Taipei, which accused Beijing of illegally...
More than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded across Europe since June 21 as the continent faces extreme heat, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
The Central African Republic declared a cholera outbreak after 197 cases, including 24 deaths, were confirmed in two health districts southwest of the country’s capital Bangui, local media reported Saturday.
A worsening cholera outbreak and escalating violence are deepening Sudan's humanitarian crisis, with more than 700 suspected cholera cases and 105 deaths reported in West Kordofan since mid-May, according to health authorities.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded 1,003 confirmed Ebola cases, including 254 deaths, as health officials warn the outbreak could escalate without rapid intervention.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has raised its forecast for the rapid emergence of a strong El Niño, warning the climate pattern is likely to drive higher global temperatures and intensify extreme weather in the months ahead.
India is investigating a data breach at Tata Electronics that exposed sensitive documents linked to Apple's unreleased iPhone 18 Pro, marking the government's first public comments on the incident.
Iran and the U.S. have concluded indirect talks in Doha without a major breakthrough, with discussions focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and frozen Iranian funds. Both sides are expected to meet again after the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
International politicians and religious leaders have paid respects to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei throughout the day, ahead of his six day funeral ceremony which begins on Saturday. His casket is currently on display at the Iman Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran.
Germany has requested urgent talks with China's ambassador following reports that Chinese authorities trained Russian soldiers, adding fresh strain to relations between Beijing and Europe amid the war in Ukraine.
More than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded across Europe since June 21 as the continent faces extreme heat, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
The Central African Republic declared a cholera outbreak after 197 cases, including 24 deaths, were confirmed in two health districts southwest of the country’s capital Bangui, local media reported Saturday.
As France endures a record-breaking heatwave that has been linked to at least 40 drowning deaths, forecasters are using three key terms - pic de chaleur, vague de chaleur and canicule. Here's what they mean.
Australian authorities have expanded surveillance and testing efforts after confirming two cases of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu, while neighbouring Papua New Guinea has suspended poultry imports from the country.
The United States has launched an investigation into Germany's pharmaceutical pricing policies to determine whether they unfairly disadvantage American companies and restrict U.S. commerce.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment