As Hantavirus Spreads, Infectious Disease Experts Discuss Impacts Of Deadly Outbreak

A hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship recently captured headlines worldwide. Three people on board the luxury ship, which was supposed to head to Spain, have already died. Two Americans who have experienced symptoms are receiving care in a medical facility in Atlanta, and 16 other Americans are being monitored in a medical facility in Nebraska.

While many people have questions about the rare and potentially deadly hantavirus, Hackensack Meridian Health infectious disease experts say it is unlikely to spread, as all exposed and infected individuals are receiving care or in quarantine. Also, the Andes strain involved in this outbreak generally requires prolonged, very close contact to transmit from person to person.

“The overall risk to the general public remains low, as hantaviruses do not spread easily like respiratory viruses such as flu or COVID-19,” says Infectious Disease Expert Sukrut Dwivedi, D.O. of Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center.

Our infectious disease experts answer some top questions you may have about hantavirus.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a rare, but serious and potentially fatal respiratory illness. It is transmitted primarily by rodents, such as mice and rats, through urine, feces and saliva. Humans can become infected by inhaling the virus, which can become airborne from dried droppings or urine.

It is also spread through bites from rodents or by touching contaminated surfaces. What makes the cruise ship cases especially unique and concerning is that experts believe there may be human-to-human transmission.

The disease is not easily spread from person to person, but Dr. Dwivedi explains that, in rare cases, it can occur in extremely close quarters, such as on a cruise ship.

“What makes this situation noteworthy is the suspected involvement of the Andes strain of hantavirus, which is unique in its ability to occasionally spread from person to person. In a contained setting like a cruise ship, close quarters can amplify risk among contacts,” Dr. Dwivedi says.

Symptoms of Hantavirus

Hantavirus can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), characterized by flu-like symptoms that rapidly progress to breathing difficulties and lung failure, with a fatality rate of up to 40%.

Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Chills
• Severe muscle aches
• Some patients may experience dizziness, headaches and gastrointestinal issues
• Chest tightness
• Rapid breathing
• Coughing

How is Hantavirus Diagnosed?

According to Stefan Hagmann, M.D., chief of pediatric infectious diseases at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center and professor of Pediatrics at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, hantavirus can be diagnosed through antibody and molecular testing, which is available only through health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

He says that in many cases, doctors may also look at lung imaging, combined with blood tests and a thorough physical examination.

Does Hantavirus Affect Children the Same as Adults?

Dr. Hagmann says that children experience similar hantavirus symptoms as adults; however, like the flu, hantavirus can be more serious in young children and infants. “Children may deteriorate faster than adults, so it’s important they seek supportive care early,” he says.

While hantavirus can be fatal, Dr. Hagmann stresses there is no current need for parents to be concerned. “Hantavirus is extremely rare and is currently under control with patients from the cruise in careful quarantine facilities,” he says.

How Can We Prevent Hantavirus from Spreading?

The best way to prevent the spread of hantavirus is to quarantine infected individuals and ensure they don’t transmit it to others. Those who have been in close contact with individuals with hantavirus should also monitor themselves for symptoms.

“The best way for prevention is isolation and distancing. Immediate quarantine of symptomatic individuals will be needed to break the transmission chain. Health authorities currently are appropriately emphasizing contact tracing, isolation and monitoring of close contacts,” says Dr. Dwivedi.

Next Steps & Resources

• Meet our expert: Stefan Hagmann, M.D. and Sukrut Dwivedi, D.O.
• Make an appointment online with a doctor near you, or call 800-822-8905.
• Learn more about our children’s health services.