health
Hantavirus: What to know about rare disease on Atlantic cruise ship
Three people aboard a cruise ship sailing the Atlantic Ocean have died as a result of suspected hantavirus infections, according to the World Health Organization.
TL;DR
- Three deaths are suspected to be due to hantavirus infection on the cruise ship MV Hondius.
- Five suspected and one confirmed case of hantavirus infection have been reported among passengers and crew.
- Hantavirus is a rodent-borne disease spread through saliva, urine, or droppings, and can cause severe respiratory and cardiac issues.
- Early symptoms resemble flu or cold, progressing to shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and potential organ failure.
- Human-to-human transmission of hantavirus is not typically documented, making the cruise ship outbreak unusual.
- Rapid medical care is critical for survival, though there is no specific treatment for hantavirus infections.