Dr Syed Muhammad Yaseen
Hantavirus is a rare but serious virus spread mainly through contact with infected rodents, including their urine, saliva, and droppings. In severe cases, it can cause life-threatening lung or kidney disease.
The virus is back in global headlines after a recent outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, where several passengers became infected and multiple deaths were reported. The World Health Organization says the public health risk remains low, but international monitoring is ongoing.
How Hantavirus Spreads
People usually get infected by:
Breathing contaminated air from rodent waste
Touching contaminated surfaces
Eating contaminated food
Rarely, through close human-to-human contact with the Andes strain
Experts say hantavirus does not spread easily like COVID-19.
Symptoms of Hantavirus
Early symptoms include:
Fever
Muscle pain
Fatigue
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Severe cases may lead to:
Shortness of breath
Pneumonia
Respiratory failure
Shock
Is There a Cure?
There is currently no specific cure or vaccine for hantavirus. Treatment mainly involves supportive hospital care and oxygen therapy. Early diagnosis improves survival chances.
Why the Recent Outbreak Matters
WHO confirmed multiple hantavirus cases connected to international cruise travel in 2026, including deaths and suspected human-to-human transmission involving the Andes strain.
Despite concerns, health officials stress this is not another COVID-style pandemic threat because transmission remains limited.
