Top News

Hantavirus: Where exactly did Hantavirus start? How dangerous, what is the story behind this name
Samira Vishwas | May 13, 2026 3:24 PM CST

  • When and where was Hantavirus discovered?
  • What is Hantavirus?
  • Where was the original hantavirus found?

After Covid-19, Hantavirus spreading rapidly. The virus has raised global health concerns. The virus originated on a cruise ship traveling across the Atlantic Ocean. Now this virus has taken a serious turn. The World Health Organization (WHO) said in a press conference that hantavirus is not a virus like Covid-19 or influenza; It spreads quite differently.

Transmission of virus due to cruise

Hantavirus has spread around the world from a cruise ship traveling across the Atlantic Ocean. The virus has killed three people, while many others have been infected. According to the World Health Organization, this virus is not particularly dangerous because it does not spread from person to person.

Hantavirus Update: The threat of a second pandemic on the world? Hantavirus outbreak on Atlantic cruise, WHO ‘alert’ after 3 dead

Travelers from these countries have been infected with hantavirus:

  • Argentine passengers were also traveling on the same ship
  • People from St. Helena also got off the ship infected with the virus
  • Infected South Africans have been hospitalized
  • One Dutch citizen and two Dutch travelers have died from the virus
  • A British person has also been infected with the virus.

How dangerous is Hantavirus”font-weight: 400;”>Hantavirus Found in two types. It primarily attacks the kidneys. The virus can be serious, but has a low mortality rate of 1% to 15%. However, there is also a dangerous strain called ‘New World Hantavirus’, which is found in America. Hantavirus causes a respiratory illness called cardiopulmonary syndrome. This disease causes fluid to build up in the lungs, causing a lack of oxygen. It has a mortality rate of 35% to 50%, making it extremely dangerous.

Hantavirus : slow death, mysterious fever and water in the lungs; Know how dangerous Hanta virus is?

How is Hantavirus spread?

The virus is often spread by rodents. It can spread through the air through the feces and urine of rats (which become victims of the virus). Humans can become infected with hantavirus through respiratory contact. This can lead to two serious illnesses: Respiratory disease, which can damage the lungs. Secondly, internal bleeding and kidney failure can occur. The disease can also spread through the bite of rats.

History of hantaviruses

During the Korean War, a virus spread among the soldiers. Soldiers died of fever. At that time, this virus was discussed globally. In 1993, the virus spread rapidly in the United States as well. The virus mainly affected the lungs. Hantavirus is named after its geographical location. The virus was first found in rats near the Hantan River. Scientists isolated the virus from mice. The virus was named after the river in which it was found.

Note – This article is written for general information only and does not claim to be a cure of any kind. Consult your doctor before taking any remedy and use it in proper dosage as per his advice.


READ NEXT
Cancel OK