How is hantavirus spread?
Typically through inhalation of contaminated rodent droppings, but the Andes virus strain may have rare potential for human-to-human transmission.
Health / Outbreaks
A hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship has prompted international health authorities to respond. Here's a summary of the situation.
The hantavirus outbreak on the Oceanwide Expeditions cruise ship, MV Hondius, triggered a multi-national health response after passengers disembarked in various locations before the virus was confirmed. The ship is headed for Tenerife in the Canary Islands, where authorities are preparing for the arrival and evacuation of passengers. The CDC has activated its Emergency Operations Center, classifying the situation as a Level 3 emergency. Several countries, including the UK and Spain, are tracing contacts of passengers who may have been exposed. Hantavirus is typically spread through rodent droppings, but the Andes virus strain detected may have the potential for rare human-to-human transmission.
How to Prepare: - Avoid contact with rodents and their droppings. - If cleaning areas with potential rodent contamination, wear a mask and gloves. - Be aware of hantavirus symptoms (fever, muscle aches, fatigue) and seek medical attention if they appear.
Who This Affects Most: - Travelers who were on the MV Hondius cruise ship. - Individuals in contact with those who were on the cruise ship. - Healthcare workers involved in treating infected individuals.
Typically through inhalation of contaminated rodent droppings, but the Andes virus strain may have rare potential for human-to-human transmission.
Symptoms usually appear one to eight weeks after exposure and may include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Contact tracing, isolation of potential cases, and repatriation efforts are underway.
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