Three people have died on the cruise ship MV Hondius, with a British national fighting for life, after a case of hantavirus was confirmed on board. The deadly disease could easily be confused with simple flu, and experts are urging passengers to be vigilant.
What is hantavirus?
Hantaviruses are viruses carried by rodents that can trigger varying degrees of illness in humans. Each hantavirus is linked to a different rodent host. People contract the virus by inhaling infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva.
How does hantavirus spread?
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) can be contracted by inhaling, consuming, or coming into contact with rat and mouse faeces, urine or saliva. This could occur through handling the animal directly, or by touching something contaminated with its bodily fluids. The incubation period typically lasts two to four days, but can range from two days to eight weeks.
What steps can be taken to prevent it?
Coming into contact with rodents carrying HPS can pose serious health risks. It is essential to wash your hands thoroughly after handling rats or their environments, and to steer clear of wild mice and rats, as well as areas where they may have been present. When you discover rodent droppings in your home, always wear rubber gloves and a protective mask over your nose and mouth. Crucially, never sweep up droppings with a brush, as this can scatter potentially infectious particles into the air.
Hantavirus symptoms
The initial symptoms of HPS can easily be confused with influenza, including a fever exceeding 101F, chills, muscle aches, severe headaches, nausea, stomach complaints, and a notably dry cough. Without warning, however, breathing difficulties can rapidly develop.
Dr Jamie Winn, PharmD from Universal Drugstore, said: "It can be challenging to diagnose HPS as early symptoms mimic the flu, and there are no tests to diagnose HPS. This is why a history of rodent exposure accompanied by fever and fatigue is a strong indicator of infection."
"If you have an unexplained fever, body aches, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headaches, dry cough or severe breathing difficulty, you should see your doctor immediately. This is especially important if you expect to spend time in southwestern US and are exposed to large rodent populations, their nesting materials and waste."
How to treat hantavirus
There are no specific treatments for HPS, however early diagnosis and care within an ICU setting can significantly improve a patient's chances of recovery. The principal care administered in the ICU encompasses intubation and oxygen therapy, fluid replacement, and medication to maintain blood pressure.
In certain cases, antiviral medications such as ribavirin are employed to tackle other strains of hantavirus and related infections. While large-scale trials have yet to confirm their efficacy, doctors may turn to them in particularly severe cases.
Recovery is typically a lengthy process, with patients commonly reporting ongoing weakness, fatigue, and a reduced tolerance for physical activity.
