What Is Hantavirus—and Why Is It Raising Concern?

Health authorities are investigating a deadly outbreak aboard a cruise ship, where a rare rodent-borne illness, Hantavirus, is suspected to be the cause.

The virus has been confirmed in at least one case, while further testing is ongoing, according to the World Health Organization.

Unlike more common cruise ship outbreaks such as norovirus, hantavirus is not typically associated with crowded environments and does not spread easily between people.

Instead, it is mainly transmitted through contact with rodents or their urine, saliva, and droppings, particularly when contaminated particles become airborne and are inhaled.

Symptoms can initially resemble the flu, including fever, chills, and muscle aches, but the illness can quickly become severe.

In some cases, it progresses into hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that affects the lungs and can cause breathing difficulties as fluid builds up.

There is currently no specific cure for hantavirus, though early medical treatment can improve outcomes.

While the virus remains rare, experts say the ongoing investigation could provide important insights into how the outbreak occurred.