Hantavirus cruise outbreak: 5 critical facts you need to know
1. The Andes virus is the only known hantavirus capable of spreading between humans
The main reason the MV Hondius outbreak drew international attention was the specific strain involved: the Andes virus.
Scientists have identified more than 40 hantavirus species worldwide, broadly divided into “Old World” strains found mainly in Europe and Asia, and “New World” strains found in the Americas. Most hantaviruses spread to humans through contact with infected rodents or their urine, saliva and droppings, experts told WIRED. The rodents themselves usually do not become ill.
Old World hantaviruses mainly affect the kidneys and can cause bleeding disorders. New World strains, including the Andes virus found in parts of South America, are associated with Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome, a severe illness affecting the lungs and heart. Patients can initially develop fever, fatigue and muscle aches before deteriorating into severe breathing difficulty and cardiovascular collapse.
What makes the Andes virus particularly unusual is that it is the only known hantavirus confirmed to spread between humans through prolonged close contact.
According to the World Health Organization, such transmission usually occurs between intimate partners, household contacts or caregivers caring for symptomatic patients over extended periods. Scientists still do not fully understand why the Andes strain can spread this way while most hantaviruses cannot.
Health authorities have thus far linked eight confirmed or suspected cases to the MV Hondius outbreak, including three deaths. WHO officials said the outbreak has remained limited because the virus doesn't spread easily through casual contact in the way COVID-19 or influenza do. The Andes virus nevertheless carries a high fatality rate. Studies cited by health experts show that some New World hantavirus infections in the Americas can kill up to half of infected patients, making even relatively small outbreaks medically serious.
