What to know about hantavirus, the illness suspected in a cruise ship outbreak

2 min read Updated: May 5, 2026 12:34 PM IST Three people have died and three others are ill after a suspected hantavirus outbreak struck a Netherlands-based cruise ship, authorities and media reports said Sunday. According to the World Health Organisation, hantavirus is primarily spread by rodents and, in rare cases, between people. Infection most often occurs when the virus in rodent droppings, saliva, or urine becomes airborne, such as when areas where rats and mice have nested are swept out. According to The Lancet medical journal, the name comes from the Hantan River ​area of ​South Korea, where the virus was identified ⁠in the 1970s. Can be fatal Hantavirus is a family of viruses that cause two illnesses, one that ‌primarily affects the lungs and the other that attacks the kidneys. The first gets the most attention because it has a high fatality rate of about 40%. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, the respiratory illness, is most commonly found in North and South America. According to the Canadian government, about 200 cases ⁠of hantavirus pulmonary illness occur ⁠each year worldwide. Concert pianist Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, died from hantavirus pulmonary ⁠syndrome in ‌New Mexico in 2025, according to autopsy results. Story continues below this ad What are the symptoms? Hantavirus ​usually begins with flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue ‌and fever, one to eight weeks after exposure, according to the CDC. Four to 10 days later, coughing, ‌shortness of breath and fluid ​in ​the lungs ​appear. Diagnosis in the first 72 hours of infection is difficult, the CDC says, so symptoms can ​easily be mistaken for flu. What to do and how to prevent it There is no ⁠specific therapy for hantavirus infection, so treatment focuses on supportive care including rest and fluids. Patients may need breathing support such as ‌a ⁠ventilator. Story continues below this ad Experts say exposure to hantavirus can be minimized by deterring and eliminating rodents from areas where people ​are. Avoid vacuuming or sweeping dried droppings, which can aerosolize the virus. The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram © IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd Tags: virus