The memories of the COVID-19 pandemic are still fresh, and amid continuing discussions around emerging infectious diseases, another virus — Hantavirus — has once again drawn global attention. The rodent-borne infection, known to cause respiratory, cardiac, and renal complications in humans, has sparked concern following reports of an outbreak aboard the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius, where at least three deaths have reportedly occurred.

The MV Hondius, carrying around 150 passengers and crew members, anchored at the Canary Islands on May 10, after which all passengers disembarked. Among the crew were two Indian nationals, raising concerns over whether the virus could spread to India.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses that naturally infect rodents and can occasionally spread to humans. They belong to the Hantaviridae family within the Bunyavirales order. Each hantavirus strain is generally associated with a specific rodent host species, in which the virus causes chronic infection without making the animal visibly ill.

Although many hantavirus species have been identified across the world, only a limited number are known to cause disease in humans.

How does Hantavirus spread?

According to the World Health Organization, hantavirus infection is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents. In rare cases, transmission may also occur through rodent bites.

Dr. Sanjay Nagarkar, an Internal Medicine expert at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Pune, said, “The news regarding hantavirus is going viral now. Understand that hantavirus can van spread when the person comes in contact with infected rodents, even their urine, droppings, or saliva. So, make sure to exercise caution.”

The risk of infection increases in situations involving rodent exposure, such as cleaning enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, agricultural or forestry work, or staying in rodent-infested dwellings.

Human-to-human transmission is uncommon and is usually linked to close and prolonged contact, particularly among family members or close companions. The virus is believed to be most contagious during the early stages of infection.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms generally appear between one and eight weeks after infection, depending on the virus strain. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

In severe cases, Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS) can develop rapidly, leading to coughing, shortness of breath, fluid accumulation in the lungs, and shock.

Another form of the disease, Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), can cause complications such as low blood pressure, hemorrhaging, and kidney failure during later stages.

What precautions should be taken?

WHO guidelines state that prevention of hantavirus infection depends largely on reducing contact between humans and rodents.

Dr. Nagarkar said, “So, to prevent hantavirus, keep the surroundings clean, avoid contact with rodents and their droppings, and disinfect dusty or closed spaces before cleaning them. It is imperative to opt for gloves and masks while handling rodent-infested areas. So, make sure to adhere to these guidelines.”

Recommended preventive measures include:

• Keeping homes and workplaces clean
• Sealing rodent entry points in buildings
• Storing food safely
• Following safe cleaning practices in rodent-contaminated areas
• Avoiding dry sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings
• Dampening contaminated areas before cleaning
• Maintaining proper hand hygiene

Health authorities also stress the importance of quickly identifying and isolating infected individuals during outbreaks, monitoring close contacts, and implementing infection-prevention measures to contain further spread.

Is there reason for concern in India?

The two Indian crew members from the MV Hondius have been quarantined in the Netherlands, where their health is currently being monitored. According to a press release issued by the Embassy of India, Madrid, both individuals are asymptomatic and remain in good health.

Dr. Nagarkar said, “It is rarely seen in India. So, people shouldn’t panic or get scared. However, people should still be cautious, mainly in areas with poor sanitation or rodent infestation.”

Given that hantavirus transmission among humans is relatively rare and generally requires close contact, there is currently no immediate cause for panic in India.