Arnaud Pontin (Image : Ruslanas Baranauskas, Science Photo Library)
Hantavirus: What You Need to Know About the Virus Causing Concern Off the Canary Islands
The new hantavirus detected on this cruise ship off the Canary Islands is raising significant concern. Here are the essential facts you should know before becoming overly alarmed.
Is hantavirus a new virus?
No, hantavirus is not a new virus. It is a family of viruses that has been known for several decades. The first major cases were identified in Asia and Europe in the mid-20th century, and a widely publicized outbreak occurred in the United States in 1993.
Hantaviruses are primarily transmitted by infected rodents, particularly through their feces, urine, or saliva. Humans can become infected by inhaling contaminated airborne particles, for example in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.
Depending on the region of the world, hantaviruses can cause different and sometimes severe diseases. In the Americas, they are mainly associated with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which can lead to serious respiratory complications. In Europe and Asia, certain strains more commonly affect the kidneys.
The term regularly appears in the news when a suspected case or outbreak draws media attention, but this does not mean a “new virus” has emerged in the way COVID-19 did.
What are the differences between hantavirus and COVID-19?
Hantavirus and COVID-19 are two very different viral diseases, even though both can cause respiratory symptoms.
COVID-19 is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets and aerosols. Hantaviruses, on the other hand, are primarily transmitted through infected rodents, especially via inhalation of particles from their urine, feces, or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare for hantaviruses.
COVID-19 became a global pandemic due to its high level of human-to-human transmissibility. Hantavirus infections, by contrast, tend to occur as isolated cases or small localized outbreaks.
Symptoms also differ. COVID-19 often causes fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, and varying degrees of respiratory issues. Hantavirus infections may begin with flu-like symptoms but can rapidly progress to severe respiratory distress or kidney complications in some forms.
How can hantavirus be prevented?
Prevention of hantavirus is mainly based on reducing contact with rodents and their droppings, urine, or saliva.
It is important to keep homes, garages, storage areas, and cabins clean and well ventilated to prevent mouse or rat infestations. Food should be stored in sealed containers, and waste should be disposed of promptly.
When cleaning potentially contaminated areas, dry sweeping or vacuuming should be avoided, as this can release infectious particles into the air. Instead, the area should be ventilated for at least 30 minutes, followed by cleaning surfaces with disinfectant or a diluted bleach solution while wearing gloves and, in some cases, a protective mask.
People visiting cabins, abandoned buildings, barns, or rural areas should be especially cautious when signs of rodents are present.
When camping or hiking, it is advisable to avoid sleeping directly on the ground in infested areas and to store food in sealed containers to avoid attracting rodents.
How is a hantavirus infection treated?
There is no universally recognized specific antiviral treatment to cure hantavirus infections, but rapid medical care can significantly improve survival chances.
Treatment mainly relies on supportive hospital care. Doctors closely monitor breathing, oxygen levels, and circulation. In severe cases, intensive care hospitalization may be required, including respiratory support or mechanical ventilation.
Some forms of hantavirus can cause significant fluid accumulation in the lungs, while others primarily affect the kidneys. Treatment therefore focuses on stabilizing vital functions and preventing complications.
The earlier the infection is detected, the better the chances of avoiding severe progression. Individuals who develop fever, muscle pain, and breathing difficulties after possible exposure to rodents should seek medical attention promptly.
What is the mortality rate of hantavirus?
The mortality rate of hantavirus varies widely depending on the viral strain and the disease it causes.
In the Americas, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome—the most severe and widely reported form—has a mortality rate of approximately 30% to 40%, and some sources report up to 50% in certain cases or outbreaks.
In Europe and Asia, other forms of hantavirus primarily affect the kidneys and generally show lower mortality rates, often ranging from less than 1% to 15%, depending on the strain involved.
Although these rates may seem high compared to many other respiratory viruses, hantaviruses are far rarer and far less contagious than COVID-19. Most human infections occur after contact with infected rodents, not through widespread human-to-human transmission.
ADVERTISING
READ ALSO