A recent hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius has raised global concern after multiple passengers fell ill and at least three deaths were reported. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed several hantavirus cases connected to the ship .
India has started precautionary surveillance after reports that two Indian nationals were on-board the affected cruise ship.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have said there is no immediate threat to India.
Officials from ICMR’s National Institute of Virology stated that the reported cases appear isolated and India already has systems in place to monitor such infections, reports NDTV.
What Is Hantavirus?
According to the WHO, Hantavirus is a group of viruses mainly spread by infected rodents such as rats and mice. Humans usually get infected after coming into contact with rodent urine, droppings, saliva, or contaminated dust particles in the air.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus can cause serious diseases affecting the lungs or kidneys.
The virus was first identified during the Korean War in the early 1950s when soldiers developed severe fever and kidney-related illness.
The name “Hantavirus” comes from the Hantan River area in South Korea.
The recent outbreak linked to the cruise ship is associated with the Andes virus strain, mostly found in South America.
What Are The Symptoms?
Symptoms usually appear one to eight weeks after exposure. In the beginning, the illness may look like common flu. People may develop fever, body pain, fatigue, headache, chills, and vomiting. Muscle pain, especially in the thighs, hips, back, and shoulders, is common.
As the disease becomes severe, breathing problems may start. Some patients develop cough, chest tightness, and fluid buildup in the lungs. In serious cases, the infection can become life-threatening.
How Is Hantavirus Diagnosed?
Doctors usually diagnose hantavirus through blood tests and by checking symptoms and exposure history.
If a patient has recently been in places with rodent infestation or handled rodent waste, doctors may suspect hantavirus infection.
WHO says early diagnosis is important because patients may quickly develop severe breathing complications.
Is There Any Treatment Or Vaccine?
Currently, there is no specific antiviral medicine or approved vaccine widely available for hantavirus infection.
Treatment mainly focuses on supportive medical care, especially oxygen support and intensive care for severe patients. Early hospitalization improves survival chances.
How Can You Stay Safe?
The best protection is avoiding contact with rodents and their waste. CDC advises people to keep homes and workplaces clean, seal holes where rats or mice can enter, and safely clean rodent-infested areas.
Dry sweeping rodent droppings should be avoided because it can release infected particles into the air.
Experts recommend using gloves and disinfectants while cleaning areas contaminated by rodents.
Food should be stored properly and garbage should not be left uncovered. People working in farms, warehouses, forests, or poorly ventilated spaces should be extra careful.
WHO has also advised people linked to the current cruise ship outbreak to monitor symptoms for 45 days and maintain hygiene practices.
Health experts say people should stay informed but not panic. Hantavirus infections are rare and usually linked to direct exposure to infected rodents.
Unlike COVID-19, the virus does not spread easily among people in most situations. WHO and CDC have both said the current public health risk remains low.
Title: What Is Hantavirus And How Can You Stay Safe?
Written By: Fact Crescendo Team
Result: Insight
