What is hantavirus? Symptoms, spread and low risk explained

Hantavirus is a family of rare but serious viruses that can cause illnesses such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).

Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring a cluster of cruise ship passengers aboard the MV Hondius affected by Hantavirus — specifically a rare strain known as the Andes virus.

As of May 7, WHO identified eight confirmed hantavirus cases, including three deaths.

Experts from WHO, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the University of Kentucky have categorized this as a low risk to the public, but there are still ways you can stay safe.

What is hantavirus? 

These viruses are typically spread through exposure to rodents — particularly deer mice and white-footed mice in Kentucky — most commonly through rodent droppings, urine or saliva while cleaning enclosed or dusty spaces.

Symptoms usually begin one to eight weeks after contact with an infected rodent or exposure to contaminated materials. Person-to-person transmission is uncommon. The Andes virus, found primarily in South America, has been reported to spread between people who have close contact with someone who is ill.

In the U.S. and the Americas, it often causes severe, sometimes fatal pneumonia. In Europe and Asia, the virus is often associated with more kidney-related symptoms. As of the end of 2023, 890 hantavirus disease cases had been reported in the United States since national surveillance began in 1993.

Early symptoms of hantavirus resemble a cold or flu, and some patients may improve at first, making this virus difficult to diagnose.

Symptoms of HPS include fatigue, fever, muscle and joint aches, headaches, dizziness and chills.

Symptoms of HFRS include intense headaches, back and abdominal pain, fever, nausea and blurred vision.

When to seek treatment 

Currently, there is no treatment for hantavirus or the Andes virus-specific strain. If you think you may have been exposed to the Andes virus and are experiencing symptoms, you should contact a healthcare provider immediately.

How to reduce your risk 

Learning how to properly treat any area where rodents may have been present is an important step in preventing any type of infection. Following the CDC’s guidance for sealing gaps or holes, cleaning your space and using personal protective equipment can help you reduce your exposure and stay safe.

The CDC’s steps for protecting yourself and your family from HPS are as follows:

Seal up:

• When sealing gaps and holes inside your home, look inside, underneath and behind kitchen cabinets, the corners of closets, around fireplaces and other compact areas; mice can fit through a hole the width of a pencil.
• It’s also critical to properly seal your pantry staples and practice proper food safety and cleanliness. Food should be stored in thick plastic, metal or glass containers with tight lids.

Trap up: 

• Snap traps and poison bait are common ways to control mice and rats in the home, but they should always be in places out of reach of children and pets.
• Poison bait is typically used for more severe infestations. Be sure to choose a product designed for the specific rodent problem you’re dealing with.
• Glue traps and live traps are not recommended because they can stress rodents, causing them to urinate more and increasing the risk of exposure for humans.

Clean up:

• Carefully clean rodent urine, droppings and nests using disinfectant or a fresh bleach solution while wearing gloves and face protection.
• Never sweep or vacuum rodent waste, as this can spread any potential virus into the air; instead, soak the contaminated area, wipe with paper towels and dispose of the waste.
• Always wash gloved hands before removing gloves and wash your hands after to reduce your exposure.