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What is hantavirus? Rare rodent-borne disease behind growing concern
04th May, 2026 07:44 PM
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly disease transmitted to humans mainly through contact with infected rodents, according to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The virus has returned to global attention following the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmation of the death of three people following an outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship, raising concern among health authorities, although experts stress that human-to-human transmission remains extremely rare.
“Hantaviruses are a family of viruses which can cause serious illnesses and death,” the CDC stated.
“These viruses cause diseases like hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).”
How hantavirus spreads
According to the CDC, hantaviruses are carried by wild rodents such as mice and rats. People become infected mainly by breathing in air contaminated with virus particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
Infection can also occur through touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes; cleaning rodent-infested spaces such as cabins, garages, or storage rooms; and rarely, rodent bites.
“People get hantavirus from contact with rodents like rats and mice, especially when exposed to their urine, droppings, and saliva. It can also spread through a bite or scratch by a rodent, but this is rare,” the CDC stated.
Health officials emphasise that the disease is not easily spread between people, making outbreaks uncommon and usually linked to specific environmental exposure.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing hantavirus in a person who has been infected for less than 72 hours is difficult. If the initial test is done before the virus can be found, repeat testing is often done 72 hours after symptom start.
Early symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and fatigue are easily confused with influenza.
If you suspect hantavirus disease, see a physician immediately and mention a potential rodent exposure.
Two serious forms of disease
Hantavirus can cause two major illnesses, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), depending on the region.
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
This form is mainly found in the Americas. It begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and muscle aches but can rapidly progress to severe breathing difficulties as fluid fills the lungs.
CDC data shows HPS can be fatal in about 38% of cases once respiratory symptoms develop.
- Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)
More common in Europe and Asia, HFRS affects the kidneys and blood vessels. Severity varies depending on the strain, with some types causing mild illness and others resulting in fatal outcomes in up to 15% of cases.
Prevention
The CDC advises simple but important precautions to reduce the risk of hantavirus infection.
These include avoiding contact with rodents and their droppings, sealing holes in homes and storage areas to prevent rodent entry, using protective gear when cleaning rodent-infested spaces, and ensuring proper ventilation before cleaning enclosed buildings.
There is currently no specific cure or vaccine for hantavirus infection. Treatment is mainly supportive and focuses on managing symptoms, with severe cases often requiring hospitalisation.
Growing global concern
On Sunday, May 3, 2026, international reports have highlighted renewed attention to hantavirus following suspected cases linked to rodent exposure in a cruise ship.
According to Sky News reports, the ship was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde.
WHO says that medical care is being provided to passengers and crew on the ship.
“WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases. Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa,” WHO stated
“Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing and epidemiological investigations. Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew. Sequencing of the virus is also ongoing.”
Hantavirus remains a rare disease, but one that health officials continue to monitor due to its high severity in some cases and its connection to rodent exposure. While recent reports have drawn attention, experts emphasise that prevention is straightforward and the overall risk to the general public remains low.
