The world flew into panic mode after three cruise ship passengers died from a suspected hantavirus outbreak earlier this month. The rare illness, which is connected to contact with rodents, is now a subject of concern, especially amongst travelers this season. How does one even contract the disease in the primary place? Is there a cure or solid treatment for anyone who does catch it?
Learn concerning the hantavirus and why it’s now a relevant topic now.
What Is the Hantivirus?
Hantavirus is a rare and potentially life-threatening virus. If a human contracts the virus, it will probably cause serious conditions, similar to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which often begins with flu-like symptoms before it evolves into severe respiratory issues.
Though hantavirus cases are unusual, the illness can turn into severe quickly. Gene Hackman‘s late wife, Betsy Arakawa, died in 2025 from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). She was 65.
Swiss authorities have confirmed a case of #hantavirus identified in a passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship.
He had responded to an email from the ship’s operator informing the passengers of the health event, and presented himself to a hospital in Zurich, Switzerland, and… pic.twitter.com/4mmBd7qSA4
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 6, 2026
How Does Hantavirus Spread?
Hantavirus typically spreads through direct contact with infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva, in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It may also spread via a scratch or a bite from a rodent, per the CDC.
It’s rare for hantavirus to spread from individual to individual. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome within the Western Hemisphere is generally spread by a deer mouse.
Nevertheless, with the recent discovery that the cruise ship outbreak could possibly be the Andes virus, the CDC noted that human transmission is feasible.
Symptoms of Hantavirus
Essentially the most common symptoms related to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome include fatigue, fever, muscle aches within the thighs, hips or back, dizziness, chills and abdominal issues, in accordance with the CDC.
Between 4 and 10 days after the initial phase of the virus, patients may develop late symptoms of the illness, including coughing and shortness of breath. At this stage, an individual could have fluid replenish of their lungs.
Is There a Cure for Hantavirus? Treatment Options
There isn’t any cure for hantavirus, nor a particular treatment. Patients diagnosed with the illness are told to remain hydrated, rest and possibly receive supportive care. If a patient has hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, they could require intubation.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome Mortality Rate
38 percent of people that develop respiratory problems from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome may die from the disease, in accordance with the CDC.