How does Hantavirus spread
Hantavirus Andes strain update: A deadly hantavirus outbreak linked to the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius has raised concerns after three people died and five others became sick following the ship’s departure from Argentina. Health experts identified the virus involved as the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare form known for causing severe illness and, unlike other hantavirus strains, having the ability to spread from person to person, as per a report.
The outbreak has drawn global attention because the Andes strain is considered one of the most dangerous forms of hantavirus. Experts, however, stress that the public risk remains low and that the virus does not spread like Covid-19 or influenza, as per a NBC News report.
According to infectious disease experts, the Andes strain is unique because it is the only known hantavirus capable of spreading between humans, as per the NBC News report. Transmission can occur through respiratory droplets, saliva, bodily fluids, or close intimate contact.
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, an infectious disease epidemiologist with the World Health Organization, explained that, “In previous outbreaks, there have been instances of human-to-human transmission, mainly among close contacts either providing clinical care or people who have had close physical contact,” adding, “This is not Covid. This is not influenza,” she said. “This spreads very, very differently,” as quoted by NBC News.
Doctors noted that one of the victims, a 69-year-old woman, had boarded a plane just 24 hours before her death, showing how quickly the illness can worsen once symptoms become severe.
There are still nearly 150 passengers aboard the MV Hondius, while health officials continue monitoring possible exposures because the virus incubation period can last between nine and 40 days.
Early symptoms include:
Doctors say these symptoms may appear during the first few days of infection before the illness suddenly becomes much more serious.
Severe symptoms may include:
Doctors studying the virus say about:
The overall mortality rate is estimated at 30% to 40%, though some reports note fatality rates can reach as high as 50% in severe outbreaks.
Health experts also explained that the body’s immune response may contribute heavily to the damage caused during infection.
Experts say the virus spreads most easily during the early stage of illness before the immune system fully reacts.
PCR testing can sometimes provide results within several hours during urgent situations.
Doctors mainly rely on supportive treatment, including:
Early symptoms usually include fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and abdominal pain.
Is there a vaccine for hantavirus?
No. There is currently no approved vaccine for the Andes strain or other hantaviruses.
The outbreak has drawn global attention because the Andes strain is considered one of the most dangerous forms of hantavirus. Experts, however, stress that the public risk remains low and that the virus does not spread like Covid-19 or influenza, as per a NBC News report.
What Is the Andes Strain of Hantavirus
The Andes strain is primarily found in South America, including parts of Argentina where the cruise ship began its journey. The virus is usually carried by rodents, especially the pygmy rice rat. Humans typically become infected after inhaling airborne particles from rodent urine, saliva, or droppings.According to infectious disease experts, the Andes strain is unique because it is the only known hantavirus capable of spreading between humans, as per the NBC News report. Transmission can occur through respiratory droplets, saliva, bodily fluids, or close intimate contact.
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, an infectious disease epidemiologist with the World Health Organization, explained that, “In previous outbreaks, there have been instances of human-to-human transmission, mainly among close contacts either providing clinical care or people who have had close physical contact,” adding, “This is not Covid. This is not influenza,” she said. “This spreads very, very differently,” as quoted by NBC News.
Hantavirus Cruise Ship Outbreak: What Happened?
As of Wednesday, eight people connected to the cruise ship outbreak had become ill, and three cases were laboratory-confirmed as hantavirus infections. Three people, including a married Dutch couple and another woman, died. Another patient remains in intensive care in South Africa.Doctors noted that one of the victims, a 69-year-old woman, had boarded a plane just 24 hours before her death, showing how quickly the illness can worsen once symptoms become severe.
There are still nearly 150 passengers aboard the MV Hondius, while health officials continue monitoring possible exposures because the virus incubation period can last between nine and 40 days.
What Are the Symptoms of Andes Virus Infection?
Experts say the illness often begins with symptoms that resemble many common viral infections, making it difficult to identify early.Early symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Fatigue
Doctors say these symptoms may appear during the first few days of infection before the illness suddenly becomes much more serious.
Severe symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Respiratory failure
- Cardiac collapse
- Low blood pressure
- Organ failure
Why Is the Andes Strain So Dangerous?
The Andes strain can affect critical organs including the lungs and heart. In severe cases, patients develop hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a condition that can lead to respiratory failure and cardiovascular shock.Doctors studying the virus say about:
- 40% of patients develop mild illness
- 60% develop severe cardiopulmonary syndrome
The overall mortality rate is estimated at 30% to 40%, though some reports note fatality rates can reach as high as 50% in severe outbreaks.
Health experts also explained that the body’s immune response may contribute heavily to the damage caused during infection.
How Does the Virus Spread?
Most hantavirus infections occur through contact with infected rodents. However, the Andes strain can also spread through:- Respiratory droplets
- Saliva exchange
- Close physical contact
- Intimate caregiving situations
Experts say the virus spreads most easily during the early stage of illness before the immune system fully reacts.
Is There a Test for Hantavirus?
Doctors can confirm hantavirus infections using:- PCR testing, which detects viral genetic material
- Blood tests measuring IgM and IgG antibodies
PCR testing can sometimes provide results within several hours during urgent situations.
Is There a Vaccine for Andes Virus and Is There a Cure for Hantavirus
There is currently no specific cure or approved vaccine for hantavirus infection.Doctors mainly rely on supportive treatment, including:
- Oxygen support
- IV fluids
- Ventilators
- ECMO machines for heart and lung failure
- Medications to stabilize blood pressure
FAQs
What are the first symptoms of hantavirus infection?Early symptoms usually include fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and abdominal pain.
Is there a vaccine for hantavirus?
No. There is currently no approved vaccine for the Andes strain or other hantaviruses.
