How Andes Strain of Hantavirus Compares: Symptoms, Death Rates
Summary
The Andes strain of hantavirus is unusual because it can spread from person to person. An outbreak on a Dutch cruise ship has caused three deaths and several illnesses. Health officials say the overall risk to the public is still low.Key Facts
- The Andes hantavirus can be passed between people, unlike most other hantavirus strains.
- A recent outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship in the Netherlands region caused three deaths and at least five people got sick.
- Three patients suspected of hantavirus were taken from the ship for treatment in the Netherlands.
- Hantaviruses fall into two groups: Old World strains in Africa, Asia, Europe, and New World strains in the Americas. They cause different illnesses.
- New World hantaviruses, like Andes and Sin Nombre viruses, cause hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), which affects the lungs and heart.
- Old World hantaviruses cause hemorrhagic fever with kidney problems (HFRS).
- Around 10,000 to 100,000 hantavirus cases happen worldwide each year, mostly in Asia and Europe.
- HCPS has a high death rate of about 20-40%, with early symptoms like fever and muscle pain, progressing to breathing problems.
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