Hantavirus: What It Is, Symptoms and How to Prevent Infection

Following the outbreak detected on an international cruise ship arriving from Argentina, hantavirus has once again made headlines, causing concern among the public. With monitoring systems already activated, health experts are urging calm and reassurance, pointing out that the risk to the population remains low. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about this virus.

What is hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a virus from the hantaviridae family. It is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can naturally affect different species of rodents.

There are different strains or variants of hantavirus depending on the geographical area, some of which do affect humans. In Europe, some of the variants that affect us usually cause mild kidney-related illness, while in the Americas, others such as the Andes strain (the one behind this outbreak) can cause more severe cardiopulmonary illness.

How hantavirus is transmitted

The main route of transmission is direct contact with the urine, faeces or saliva of infected rodents, mainly in poorly ventilated enclosed spaces (cabins, storage rooms, sheds...) or where contaminated droppings are present.

How can you become infected? Humans can catch it if they:

• Inhale contaminated dust from particles of urine or faeces from infected rodents.
• Handle surfaces or materials that have previously been contaminated.
• Come into direct contact with infected rodents.

It is important to bear in mind that direct person-to-person transmission is very rare. In the case of the Andes variant, limited transmission is being seen in enclosed spaces and after close, prolonged contact with symptomatic people.

Symptoms of hantavirus

The incubation period of hantavirus usually ranges from a few days to 6 weeks after exposure. The symptoms are often non-specific, which means they can be confused with other viral infections, such as:

• Fever
• Muscle pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Respiratory distress
• Low blood pressure

The symptoms reported in the hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship are respiratory and gastrointestinal. At present, there is no effective treatment or vaccine for hantavirus. Early detection of hantavirus and appropriate medical care remain the best way to control the virus.

How to prevent infection

These are the most appropriate hantavirus prevention measures:

• Ventilate and clean enclosed spaces.
• Block or seal access points for rodents.
• Store food safely.
• Use FFP2 masks and gloves if there are rodent remains or secretions present.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid close contact with symptomatic people.
• Self-isolate and report compatible symptoms to the health authorities if you have also been in close contact with rodents or infected people.
• Take extra hygiene precautions when travelling or doing outdoor activities in rural or natural areas, always following the guidance of the local authorities.

Hantavirus in Spain

International health authorities and the WHO have activated different tracing, follow-up, control and monitoring protocols to prevent new cases.

In the current situation, both the Ministry of Health and experts in Public Health and other medical organisations are calling for calm, as active epidemiological surveillance remains in place and they stress that the risk of transmission in Spain is still very low.

The latest news about the case may create worry and uncertainty, especially after the recent global experience with COVID-19. However, we should bear in mind that the health authorities state that the outbreak is limited and under control. In this case, the healthcare system is prepared to provide safe care for the cruise passengers and to reduce the risk of new infections.