Three people have died following a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship traveling across the Atlantic Ocean, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
So far, one case has been officially confirmed, while five additional suspected cases are still under investigation. The WHO said that detailed examinations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing to determine the exact cause.
The outbreak was reported on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde.
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried by rodents. It is mainly transmitted to humans through inhalation of airborne particles contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus can become airborne when dried waste from rodents is disturbed. In rare cases, it can also spread through rodent bites or scratches.
Diseases Caused by Hantavirus
Hantavirus can lead to two serious illnesses:
1. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
- Early symptoms: fatigue, fever, muscle aches
- Later symptoms: headaches, dizziness, chills, abdominal pain
- Severe cases: respiratory failure
- Mortality rate: about 38%
2. Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)
- Primarily affects the kidneys
- Severe symptoms: low blood pressure, internal bleeding, acute kidney failure
- Generally considered more severe than HPS
Global Situation
Each year, an estimated 150,000 cases of HFRS are reported worldwide, mainly in Europe and Asia. More than half of these cases occur in China.
In the United States, 890 hantavirus cases were recorded between 1993 and 2023.
One major strain, known as the Seoul virus, is carried by brown rats and is found globally, including in the US.
Treatment Options
There is currently no specific cure for hantavirus infections.
Treatment focuses on supportive care, which may include:
- Oxygen therapy
- Mechanical ventilation
- Antiviral medications
- Dialysis in severe cases
Patients with serious symptoms are often admitted to intensive care units.
Prevention
Health authorities recommend:
- Avoiding contact with rodents
- Sealing entry points in homes (especially basements and attics)
- Wearing protective gear when cleaning rodent droppings to prevent inhalation of contaminated particles
Recent Case
In February 2025, Betsy Arakawa, the wife of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, died from a respiratory illness linked to hantavirus.
Investigators believe she contracted HPS, the most common strain in the US. Rodent nests and dead rodents were later found on the property.
Records also showed that she had searched online for flu and Covid symptoms shortly before her death.
Conclusion
Although hantavirus infections are rare, they can be highly dangerous and even fatal if not treated promptly. The situation on the MV Hondius cruise ship is still under investigation as health authorities work to contain the outbreak.
