Hantavirus: No need to hit the panic button at all, say docs

Bengaluru

Hantaviruses, a group of zoonotic viruses primarily carried by rodents, have once again drawn global attention following reports of an outbreak aboard the Dutch flagged cruise ship MV Hondius. The vessel, carrying nearly 150 passengers from multiple countries, reportedly witnessed three deaths and several infections linked to the virus, raising international public health concerns and prompting comparisons to the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hantaviruses are naturally found in rodents and can occasionally spread to humans through inhalation of air contaminated with virus particles from rodent urine, droppings, saliva or in some cases through rodent bites. While infections remain relatively rare, the diseases caused by hantaviruses can be severe and, at times, fatal.

The severity of illness depends on the strain of the virus and the geographical region in which the infection occurs. According to reports, the outbreak aboard the cruise ship, reported on April 6, is believed to involve the Andes strain of hantavirus. The Andes strain is among the few known hantavirus variants capable of limited human-to human transmission.

The development has sparked debate and international public health concern across several countries over the possibility of another viral outbreak similar to the COVID pandemic. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has clarified that the overall risk to the public remains low.

WHO officials stated that hantaviruses do not spread easily between humans and are significantly less transmissible compared to highly contagious respiratory viruses such as COVID-19. “At present, there is no need for panic, but people should remain informed, maintain cleanliness, and follow basic preventive measures”, said Dr Mohammed Shakeel Sillat, Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru.

He noted that hantavirus in fections typically begin with flu like symptoms, including fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, nausea, and cough. “The condition may develop into serious lung or kidney complications, including breathing difficulties and organ failure”, Dr Mohammed explained.

He added that maintaining proper hygiene, reducing exposure to rodents, and carefully disinfecting contaminated areas are among the most effective preventive measures during outbreaks. Hantavirus infections are primarily associated with two major diseases - Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).

HPS, commonly linked to the Andes strain, initially presents with fever, fatigue, and muscle pain before progressing to headaches, dizziness, chills, abdominal pain, vomiting, diar rhoea, and respiratory distress. The disease carries an estimated mortality rate of 20 to 40 percent, with symptoms typically appearing between one and eight weeks after exposure.

HFRS, meanwhile, initially resembles influenza but may later result in kidney failure, internal bleeding, and dangerously low blood pressure. The WHO and medical experts have emphasised that early diagnosis and supportive treatment remain critical in improving survival rates, which largely focus on monitoring and treat ing complications.

Measures such as limiting contact with rodents, maintaining clean surroundings and securing food storage areas are considered essential.