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The news of an outbreak of a deadly rodent-borne virus, hantavirusreported by the World Health Organization, has raised concerns worldwide.

According to the WHO, a ship carrying 147 passengers and crew reported seven cases of hantavirus, including three deaths. The organisation stated that the outbreak is being managed through a coordinated international response, including in-depth investigations, case isolation, medical care, evacuation, and laboratory testing.

The WHO also noted that human hantavirus infection is primarily acquired through contact with the urine, faeces, or saliva of infected rodents. It is a rare but severe disease that can be fatal. Although uncommon, limited human-to-human transmission has been reported in previous outbreaks of the Andes virus, a specific strain of hantavirus.

Symptoms and rapid progression of hantavirus infection

In one case on the cruise ship, symptoms began as fever, headache, and mild diarrhoea. However, the condition quickly progressed to severe respiratory illness, leading to death on the same day.

Hantavirus infections can escalate rapidly, making early detection and medical care critical.

Betsy Arakawa’s death linked to hantavirus

Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman, died due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. This condition is fatal in nearly four out of ten infected individuals, highlighting the severity of the disease.

Hantavirus case study: How Evie survived

In 2022, a 14-year-old girl named Evie from North Dakota developed symptoms including headache, fever, abdominal pain, and malaise. Her condition worsened to include nausea and shortness of breath.

She was hospitalised, and within 24 hours of admission, her condition progressed to acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, and multisystem organ failure.

According to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Evie was placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which helped support her body while doctors worked to stabilise her condition.

Treatment and prevention of hantavirus infection

Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that there is no specific treatment for hantavirus infection. Patients are advised to prioritise rest, hydration, and supportive care to manage symptoms.

For more information, consult a qualified health expert.