What is Hantavirus?
The World Health Organization (WHO) is closely monitoring the developing hantavirus outbreak involving the rare Andes strain (the only hantavirus strain known to spread from person to person). The outbreak, linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship, has sparked concern among travelers and the public, particularly because hantavirus infections can cause severe respiratory illness and, in some cases, death.
Still, infectious disease experts caution against panic. Hantavirus is much more difficult to transmit than other respiratory viruses, and outbreaks are generally limited in scope. Person-to-person transmission of hantavirus generally remains rare.
Shauna Gunaratne, MD, MPH, an infectious disease and travel medicine expert at Columbia, explains the risks, prevention strategies, and what travelers should know.
What is hantavirus?
Hantaviruses are carried by rodents. People typically become infected by inhaling airborne particles from rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. Infections are often linked to exposure in cabins, sheds, storage areas, campsites, or other enclosed spaces where rodents may be present.
Why is this outbreak getting so much attention?
Person-to-person transmission is rare and only occurs with the Andes strain of the virus, which is found in South America. The WHO has confirmed that this is the strain implicated in the current outbreak. Most hantavirus infections worldwide occur through rodent exposure alone, making human-to-human transmission especially noteworthy in this case.
How contagious is hantavirus?
Hantavirus does not spread as easily as other respiratory viruses, like influenza or COVID-19. Outbreaks are typically limited and do not lead to widespread pandemics. Transmission of the hantavirus requires much closer or more specific exposures (typically prolonged close contact, especially in households or confined spaces) than common airborne viruses.
What are the symptoms of hantavirus?
Early symptoms resemble the flu and can include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Chills
- Nausea or vomiting
As the disease progresses, patients may develop coughing and severe shortness of breath as fluid builds in the lungs. Severe cases can progress to respiratory failure and may be fatal.
How long after exposure do symptoms appear?
The incubation period ranges from two to eight weeks. That extended incubation period means public health officials may continue monitoring exposed individuals for several weeks.
Are travelers at high risk right now?
For most travelers, the overall risk remains low. Hantavirus is not easily spread through casual contact. The greatest risk still comes from rodent exposure, particularly in rural or wilderness settings where rodents may contaminate enclosed spaces.
Is there a vaccine or antiviral treatment?
Treatment for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome includes supportive care. There is no approved antiviral treatment for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Early recognition and hospitalization can improve outcomes.
Care may include:
- Oxygen therapy
- Intensive care monitoring
- Mechanical ventilation in severe cases
- Fluid management and respiratory support
- Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
How can people reduce their risk of getting hantavirus?
Prevention focuses on avoiding contact with rodents and their waste, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. Lower your risk by:
- Avoiding areas with visible rodent infestations
- Ventilating enclosed spaces before cleaning
- Wearing gloves and masks when cleaning rodent-contaminated areas
- Using disinfectant rather than sweeping or vacuuming droppings
- Sealing food containers and entry points where rodents may enter homes or cabins
As health officials continue to monitor the current outbreak, early detection and prevention remain the most effective tools for limiting infections.
Shauna Gunaratne, MD, MPH, DTM&H, is an assistant professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Columbia, as well as the associate program director for the Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program.