Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

WHO Says Suspected Hantavirus Killed 3 on Cruise Ship: Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention

The <span>World Health Organization</span> (WHO) said on May 3 that three people who died aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean were suspected to have been infected with <span>hantavirus</span>. The rodent-borne virus can cause severe and sometimes fatal respiratory illness.

"To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases," the organization said in a post on social media platform X.

"Of the six affected individuals, three have died, and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa," it added.

In a statement provided to USA TODAY, Netherlands-based expedition cruise operator <span>Oceanwide Expeditions</span> said it was addressing a "serious medical situation" on board m/v Hondius. The ship was en route from Argentina to Cape Verde, an island nation off Africa's west coast.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (<span>CDC</span>), hantaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause severe illnesses and even death. The hantavirus is primarily spread by rodents through 

<ul><li>exposure to their urine,</li><li>droppings, </li><li>saliva,</li><li>less commonly through a scratch or bite. </li></ul>"While rare, hantavirus may spread between people, and can lead to severe respiratory illness and requires careful patient monitoring, support, and response," according to the WHO. 

The CDC notes that hantaviruses are capable of causing diseases like hantavirus pulmonary syndrome or <span>HPS</span> and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome or HERS.

It can infect and cause serious diseases in people. It has mainly two syndromes. One is found in the Western Hemisphere, including in the US, which can cause HPS. 

The most common hantavirus that causes HPS in the US is spread by the deer mouse. HERS is a group that is similar to illnesses caused by hantaviruses and is found mostly in Asia and Europe. There's another type, called the Seoul virus, which is a type of hantavirus that causes HERS and is found worldwide, including in the US. 

The WHO did not specify the type of hantavirus or syndrome in the cruise incident, but did mention respiratory risks. 

<h2>Hantavirus: What Are The Common Symptoms? </h2>

According to the CDC, symptoms can appear one to eight weeks after exposure, initially presenting fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. As the disease progresses, it can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness as fluid accumulates in the lungs. 

The CDC reports that about one-third of individuals who develop respiratory symptoms from the disease may not survive. 

Despite extensive research, many questions remain unanswered, including why some cases are mild while others become severe and how antibodies develop. She and other researchers have been tracking patients over extended periods, hoping to uncover potential treatments.

<strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/india-concerned-over-measles-outbreak-action-underway-dr-n-k-arora-exclusive-article-154208276" data-type="tilCustomLink">India Concerned Over Measles Outbreak, Action Underway: Dr N K Arora| Exclusive</a>

<h2>Hantavirus: How Can You Reduce Your Risk? </h2>

You can reduce your risk by eliminating and minimizing your contact with rodents in your home, workplace, or campsite. The best way is to seal holes and gaps in your home or garage and keep the rodents from entering your home. You can also place traps in and around your home to decrease rodent infestation. Clean up any easy-to-get food that could attract rodents.

<h2>Hantavirus: How Does The Diagnosis Work?</h2>

CDC notes that the diagnosis in a person who has been infected for less than 72 hours is difficult. If the initial test is done before the virus can be found, then a repeat test is required after 72 hours whenever the symptoms start to show up. Early symptoms, as mentioned above, like fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and fatigue, could also be easily confused with influenza, thus a test is extremely important.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

oceanwide expeditions

world health organization

Hantavirus

rodent infection

hantavirus Cruise Ship

Lifestyle vs Genetics: What Is Driving Diabetes In Indian Youth?

Why Preventable Blindness Remains A Silent Public Health Crisis In India?

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on May 3 that three people who died aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean were suspected to have been infected with hantavirus. The rodent-borne virus can cause severe and sometimes fatal respiratory illness. "To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases," the organization said in a post on social media platform X. "Of the six affected individuals, three have died, and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa," it added.      WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases. Of the six affected individuals, three have died… pic.twitter.com/SqMAAZzoID&mdash; World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 3, 2026 ]]> In a statement provided to USA TODAY, Netherlands-based expedition cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions said it was addressing a "serious medical situation" on board m/v Hondius. The ship was en route from Argentina to Cape Verde, an island nation off Africa's west coast. What Is Hantavirus?According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hantaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause severe illnesses and even death. The hantavirus is primarily spread by rodents through exposure to their urine,droppings, saliva,less commonly through a scratch or bite. "While rare, hantavirus may spread between people, and can lead to severe respiratory illness and requires careful patient monitoring, support, and response," according to the WHO. The CDC notes that hantaviruses are capable of causing diseases like hantavirus pulmonary syndrome or HPS and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome or HERS. It can infect and cause serious diseases in people. It has mainly two syndromes. One is found in the Western Hemisphere, including in the US, which can cause HPS. The most common hantavirus that causes HPS in the US is spread by the deer mouse. HERS is a group that is similar to illnesses caused by hantaviruses and is found mostly in Asia and Europe. There's another type, called the Seoul virus, which is a type of hantavirus that causes HERS and is found worldwide, including in the US. The WHO did not specify the type of hantavirus or syndrome in the cruise incident, but did mention respiratory risks. Hantavirus: What Are The Common Symptoms? According to the CDC, symptoms can appear one to eight weeks after exposure, initially presenting fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. As the disease progresses, it can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness as fluid accumulates in the lungs.  The CDC reports that about one-third of individuals who develop respiratory symptoms from the disease may not survive. Despite extensive research, many questions remain unanswered, including why some cases are mild while others become severe and how antibodies develop. She and other researchers have been tracking patients over extended periods, hoping to uncover potential treatments. Also read: India Concerned Over Measles Outbreak, Action Underway: Dr N K Arora| ExclusiveHantavirus: How Can You Reduce Your Risk? You can reduce your risk by eliminating and minimizing your contact with rodents in your home, workplace, or campsite. The best way is to seal holes and gaps in your home or garage and keep the rodents from entering your home. You can also place traps in and around your home to decrease rodent infestation. Clean up any easy-to-get food that could attract rodents. Hantavirus: How Does The Diagnosis Work? CDC notes that the diagnosis in a person who has been infected for less than 72 hours is difficult. If the initial test is done before the virus can be found, then a repeat test is required after 72 hours whenever the symptoms start to show up. Early symptoms, as mentioned above, like fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and fatigue, could also be easily confused with influenza, thus a test is extremely important.