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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An outbreak of hantavirus, a rodent-borne illness, is suspected to have occurred aboard a cruise ship, resulting in three fatalities
and several additional illnesses. The World Health Organization has confirmed hantavirus in two cases and is conducting thorough investigations, including laboratory testing, to understand the outbreak's implications.
Overview of Hantavirus
Hantavirus is not commonly associated with cruise ships and is less contagious compared to other pathogens like norovirus, which frequently causes gastrointestinal and respiratory outbreaks in such settings. In 2022, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 23 gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships, primarily attributed to norovirus.Historical Context of Hantavirus
Hantaviruses have been documented for centuries, with significant outbreaks recorded in Asia and Europe. The emergence of a new group of hantaviruses in the early 1990s in the southwestern United States led to the identification of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe respiratory disease.This illness gained public attention following the death of Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman, from a hantavirus infection in New Mexico last year.
Transmission and Risk Factors
Hantavirus primarily spreads through contact with rodents or their excretions, particularly when these materials become airborne. The virus poses a risk in enclosed spaces with little ventilation, such as homes and cabins, especially during cleaning activities.According to the WHO, direct human-to-human transmission of hantavirus is rare, although one strain endemic to South America can transmit between people through close contact, such as sharing food or bedding.
Steven Bradfute, an associate professor at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, stated that there is no evidence of widespread human transmission in this outbreak.
Symptoms and Health Risks
Hantavirus infections can escalate quickly, presenting flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle aches. Symptoms typically appear one to eight weeks after exposure to an infected rodent. As the disease progresses, patients may experience severe respiratory issues.There are two primary syndromes associated with hantavirus: hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which has a fatality rate of approximately 35%, and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, which varies in fatality from 1% to 15% depending on the strain.
Current Research and Treatment Challenges
Currently, there is no specific treatment for hantavirus, although early medical intervention can improve survival rates. Research is ongoing to better understand the disease's variability in severity among individuals.Bradfute noted that while hantavirus infections are serious, they remain relatively rare, which has historically affected funding for research. However, recent interest in hantavirus studies is growing.
Preventative measures include minimizing contact with rodents and their droppings, using protective gear during clean-up, and avoiding actions that may aerosolize droppings, such as sweeping.
Global Context and Future Investigations
The term hantavirus encompasses a diverse family of viruses, with many strains not known to transmit between humans. Researchers, including Angela Luis from the University of Montana, emphasize the importance of the ongoing investigation to determine the specifics of this outbreak and its potential for human transmission.Luis stated, 'A thorough investigation will be crucial in determining exactly what happened, and may help settle the question of whether it does spread among people.'
