How worried should we be about hantavirus?
Summary
A hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius has led to three deaths and several evacuations. Health officials are tracing passengers who traveled to various countries, but experts say the risk to the general public is low.Key Facts
- The hantavirus outbreak happened on the MV Hondius, which sailed from Argentina about a month ago.
- Three passengers have died, and three others were evacuated for medical treatment.
- Authorities are tracing passengers who flew home to countries including the UK, South Africa, the Netherlands, the US, and Switzerland.
- Human-to-human spread is possible with the Andes strain of hantavirus found on the ship, but it requires close, prolonged contact.
- The World Health Organization says the global risk is low as hantavirus spreads mainly from rodents, not easily between people.
- Symptoms usually appear 2 to 4 weeks after exposure and include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and breathing difficulties.
- Some infected passengers may have passed the virus to others in close contact, such as sharing cabins.
- Health officials continue monitoring exposed individuals who currently do not show symptoms.
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