Before you panic-sanitize your entire house, let’s walk through what hantavirus is, what’s happening right now, and what it actually means for you here in the U.S.
What’s going on right now?
A recent outbreak on a cruise ship traveling near South Africa has raised alarms. At least seven passengers are suspected to be infected, and three have died, including a married couple. Usually, the virus is transmitted during rodent exposure, but officials suspect that the cruise ship virus is being spread from human to human.
Last year, hantavirus made headlines when Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman, died from the infection in New Mexico.
What exactly is hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a rare but serious illness carried by rodents like mice and rats. People get it when they breathe in tiny particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, often when cleaning enclosed spaces like sheds or cabins. But, campers, hikers, farmers and construction workers are also at higher risk. It does not usually spread from person to person, but it can happen. One strain of the virus, known as the Andes strain, can be transmitted from person-to-person. It’s usually found in South America, in particular Argentina and Chile.
Symptoms to look out for
Hantaviruses found in the Western Hemisphere can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, also called hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome, which is deadly in 38% of people.
Early symptoms can feel like the flu -- fever and chills, muscle aches, and fatigue. Then as it progresses, it can turn serious quickly, including shortness of breath, cough, fluid in the lungs, low blood pressure and irregular heart rate. These more serious symptoms often appear four to 10 days after the initial start of symptoms. There’s no antiviral medicine for hantavirus, and in serious cases treatment in the hospital could include intubation and the use of ECMO to help the infected person get the oxygen they need.
Hantavirus is primarily diagnosed through a blood test. If you’ve had rodent exposure and start feeling sick, don’t wait to get checked out.
Should people in the U.S. be worried?
Short answer: not really. Hantavirus is rare, and most cases in the U.S. are isolated, not outbreaks. (There are usually 20-40 cases reported annually, according to the CDC.) Even with the cruise ship situation, global health experts say the overall public risk remains low.
But, cases do happen here, especially in rural areas or places where rodents can get inside homes or buildings.
How to protect yourself
- Avoid sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings (it can send particles into the air)
- Use gloves and disinfectant when cleaning
- Seal up holes where rodents can enter your home
- Store food securely
Hantavirus is serious, but it’s also uncommon and preventable. The recent headlines are a good reminder to be mindful, not fearful.