Three dead in suspected hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship

A serious incident recently occurred aboard the MV Hondius, where three people died following a suspected outbreak of Hantavirus, raising fresh global health concerns.

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents and are typically transmitted to humans through inhalation of airborne particles from dried rodent droppings.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these viruses can cause two major illnesses. One affects the lungs, leading to severe respiratory failure, while the other hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) targets the kidneys and may result in serious complications.

The virus spreads primarily through contact with infected rodents or their urine, saliva, and droppings. While transmission is usually animal-to-human, the World Health Organization notes that, in rare cases, it can also spread between humans.

Experts say between 150,000 and 200,000 hantavirus infections are reported globally each year. Paul Griffin highlighted that early symptoms often resemble the flu, making initial diagnosis difficult. Sonja Bartolome added that patients typically experience fever, chills, muscle pain, and headaches in the early stages.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) usually develops one to eight weeks after exposure and can cause severe breathing problems as fluid builds up in the lungs.

In contrast, HFRS mainly affects the kidneys and may lead to internal bleeding, low blood pressure, and acute kidney failure.

Fatality rates vary depending on the strain, with HPS proving fatal in around 35% of cases, while HFRS carries a mortality rate of 1% to 15%.

There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for hantavirus infections. Patients rely on supportive care such as oxygen therapy, ventilators, or dialysis.

Health experts advise minimizing contact with rodents and their waste, using protective gloves and disinfectants when cleaning, and avoiding sweeping or vacuuming contaminated areas to prevent the virus from becoming airborne.

Public health concerns have intensified following the suspected outbreak on the cruise ship. In a separate case, Betsy Arakawa reportedly died of HPS in Santa Fe in February 2025 after evidence of rodent activity was found at her residence.