An outbreak of hantavirus is suspected on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde.
Since the suspected outbreak, there has been one confirmed case of hantavirus on the ship, with five more cases under investigation. So far, three people have died, and a British passenger is in intensive care.
As investigations into the suspected outbreak are underway, MV Hondius has remained stationary off the coast of Cape Verde for at least 24 hours. But, local media have reported that passengers have been given "no authorisation" to disembark.
Here's everything we know about hantavirus, including the signs and symptoms, how it's transmitted, and what treatment is available.
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus refers to a strain of viruses carried by rodents, like rats and mice.
How is hantavirus transmitted?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hantavirus is primarily transmitted to humans through inhalation of airborne particles from dried rodent droppings or from a rodent's urine or saliva. In rare cases, hantavirus can also spread through rodent bites or scratches.
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What are the signs and symptoms of hantavirus?
Hantavirus can cause two severe illnesses: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).
Per the CDC, HPS is a severe and potentially deadly disease that affects the lungs. Symptoms of HPS usually start to show one to eight weeks after contact with an infected rodent. Symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Chills
- Abdominal issues
The second illness, HFRS, is more severe and primarily affects the kidneys, according to the CDC. Symptoms usually develop within one to two weeks after exposure, but in rare cases can take up to eight weeks to develop. These are:
- Intense headaches
- Back and abdominal pain
- Fever/chills
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Flushing of the face
- Inflammation
- Redness of the eyes
- A rash
Later symptoms can include:
- Low blood pressure
- Lack of blood flow (acute shock)
- Internal bleeding (vascular leakage)
- Acute kidney failure, which can cause severe fluid overload
How is hantavirus diagnosed?
Due to early symptoms overlapping with those of the flu, it can be tricky to know if someone has contracted hantavirus. "Diagnosing hantavirus in a person who has been infected less than 72 hours is difficult," the CDC explains. "If the initial test is done before the virus can be found, repeat testing is often done 72 hours after symptom start."
That said, if you suspect hantavirus disease, the CDC advises seeing a medical professional immediately and mentioning a potential rodent exposure.
How is hantavirus treated?
There are no specific treatments for hantavirus infections, however oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, antiviral medications, and even dialysis can treat symptoms, according to the CDC.
Patients with severe symptoms of hantavirus may need to be admitted to hospitals, and in extreme cases, may need to be intubated.
How to avoid hantavirus
To reduce your risk of catching hantavirus, there are a number of recommendations from the CDC. "Eliminate or minimise contact with rodents in your home, workplace, or campsite to reduce your risk of exposure to hantaviruses," the health authority explains. Advice from the CDC includes:
- Sealing holes and gaps in your home or garage to keep rodents from entering these spaces
- Placing traps in and around your home to decrease rodent infestation
- Cleaning up any easy-to-get food that might attract rodents
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
