Hantavirus Explained: What to Know as WHO Suspects Human-to-Human Spread
Health officials are investigating a hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship off Cape Verde, with seven confirmed or suspected cases and three deaths. The World Health Organization is assessing whether limited human-to-human transmission occurred, which would be rare for a virus typically spread by rodents. While the public risk remains low, authorities stress the importance of early detection and monitoring for symptoms.
- ▪The outbreak is linked to the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius, which carried 149 passengers and crew on a South Atlantic voyage.
- ▪No active rodent infestation has been found on the ship, raising questions about the source of exposure.
- ▪Three deaths have been reported, including a Dutch couple in their late 60s and a British man, with two cases laboratory-confirmed.
- ▪Hantavirus typically spreads via rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, and human-to-human transmission is extremely rare.
- ▪Symptoms start as flu-like but can rapidly progress to severe respiratory failure, especially in individuals with underlying health conditions.
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By Anna SkinnerAssociate EditorShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Health officials are scrutinizing the hantavirus after the World Health Organization (WHO) said it is investigating whether limited human‑to‑human transmission may have occurred during a deadly outbreak on a cruise ship, raising new questions about a disease long believed to spread almost exclusively from infected rodents.Hantavirus is a family of viruses typically transmitted to humans through contact with rodent urine, droppings or saliva, most often by inhaling contaminated particles.
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