Hantavirus: What to know about rare disease on Atlantic cruise ship
Three people have died and five are suspected to be infected with hantavirus after a cruise on the MV Hondius in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the World Health Organization. Hantavirus, typically spread by rodents through their saliva, urine, and droppings, can cause severe respiratory illness and organ failure. The outbreak is unusual due to the possibility of human-to-human transmission, which has not been previously documented.
- ▪Three people died from suspected hantavirus infections aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship.
- ▪The ship carried about 150 passengers and traveled from Argentina to Cape Verde via Antarctica.
- ▪Five people are suspected of infection, with one confirmed case, and passengers are being treated in South African medical facilities.
- ▪Hantavirus is usually spread by rodents such as deer mice and is not known to transmit between humans.
- ▪The CDC states that early intensive medical care is critical, as the disease can rapidly lead to fatal cardiopulmonary complications.
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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. Hantaviruses are a family of pathogens spread by rodents, mostly mice, and excreted from their saliva, urine, and droppings. If left untreated, hantavirus infections can progress rapidly and result in low blood pressure, low oxygen levels, and death by organ failure. Recommended Stories Trump surgeon general nominee praised by anti-abortion groups for keeping teen pregnancy The Trump administration targets birth control to appease MAHA allies Appeals court temporarily blocks mail-order abortion nationwide Five people are suspected to have been infected, and there has been one confirmed case, according to the WHO.
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