Hantavirus Infection

Why in the News?
The World Health Organization reported a cluster of severe respiratory illness on a cruise ship off West Africa (2 May 2026), with suspected links to hantavirus infection, resulting in three deaths. 

About Hantavirus
Hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses that primarily infect rodents and can be transmitted to humans, causing severe and sometimes fatal diseases.

• Belong to family Hantaviridae under order Bunyavirales.
• Each virus strain is typically linked to a specific rodent host.

Modes of Transmission

• Contact with urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents.
• Inhalation of contaminated airborne particles.
• Rarely through rodent bites.
• Limited human-to-human transmission reported only for Andes virus.

Types of Diseases Caused

1. Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS)
   • Found mainly in the Americas.
   • Causes severe respiratory illness.
   • Case fatality rate can reach up to 50%.
2. Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)
   • Found in Europe and Asia.
   • Affects kidneys and may cause bleeding disorders.

Symptoms

• Fever, fatigue, muscle aches.
• Respiratory distress (in HCPS).
• Kidney dysfunction (in HFRS).

Treatment

• No specific antiviral cure available.
• Early supportive medical care (oxygen therapy, intensive care) improves survival chances.

Source: WHO