Hantavirus Explained: What WHO says about the rare but deadly virus

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.

How people become infected

WHO says hantavirus infection is usually linked to environmental exposure, rather than direct contact with infected people. Situations that increase risk include:

• Cleaning enclosed or poorly ventilated areas with rodent infestation
• Disturbing dust contaminated with rodent droppings or urine
• Working in agricultural, rural or storage environments
• Staying in ships, cabins or buildings where rodents may be present

Rodent bites are a possible but uncommon route of transmission.

Symptoms and illness progression

Early symptoms are often non‑specific and may resemble other viral illnesses. WHO lists common early signs as:

1. Fever and fatigue
2. Muscle aches
3. Headache and dizziness
4. Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

In severe cases, particularly hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, symptoms can progress rapidly to:

• Coughing and breathing difficulty
• Fluid accumulation in the lungs
• Acute respiratory failure

WHO says hantavirus infections can be life‑threatening and require careful monitoring, respiratory support and intensive medical care. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment.

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How common is hantavirus?

Hantavirus infections are considered rare globally, but cases are reported each year in several regions. WHO notes that while outbreaks are uncommon, clusters of cases can occur where multiple people are exposed to the same contaminated environment.

Fatality rates vary by virus strain, but the WHO says some forms, including HPS, have high mortality and demand rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Can hantavirus spread between people?

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.

Prevention and public health response

WHO advises that prevention focuses on reducing exposure to rodents and contaminated spaces. Key measures include:

• Preventing rodent access to buildings
• Safe cleaning practices using disinfectants
• Avoiding sweeping or vacuuming dry rodent droppings
• Using protective equipment in high‑risk settings

When suspected cases arise, WHO supports laboratory testing, epidemiological investigations, risk assessments and coordination between countries, particularly when cases involve international travel or transport.

Why awareness matters

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.

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WHO Respiratory Viruses Hantavirus cruise ship World Health Organization