Passengers on a cruise ship have been stranded at sea after a dangerous virus linked to rodents is suspected to have killed three people on board. A British national is also reported to be in a critical condition.
The World Health Organization has confirmed six suspected cases of hantavirus on the MV Hondius ship, which was traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde.
Laboratory investigations and coordinated international public health measures are still ongoing.
What is hantavirus?
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that are spread primarily by rodents. Infection usually occurs when a person inhales particles contaminated with the urine, feces, or saliva of rats and other rodents. In rare cases, infection can also occur from bites or scratches.
In general, hantaviruses do not spread easily from person to person. However, they can cause serious illness, especially when they affect the lungs or kidneys.
Main symptoms
Symptoms usually appear one to eight weeks after exposure to infected rodents. Early signs can be confused with other infections, as they include fatigue, fever, muscle aches, headache, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
After a few days, the condition may worsen. Some patients experience difficulty breathing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and fluid accumulation in the lungs.
Hantavirus can cause two serious forms of illness. The first is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which affects the lungs and can be fatal in some cases. The second is hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, which affects the kidneys and can cause internal bleeding, low blood pressure, and acute kidney failure.
Is there treatment?
There is currently no specific treatment for hantavirus. Patients receive supportive therapy, such as hydration, rest, medical monitoring, and, in severe cases, breathing assistance.
For this reason, early diagnosis and medical care are essential, especially if a person has been in contact with environments where rodents may have been present.
The case on the cruise ship
According to reports, among the victims on the ship was a 70-year-old man from the Netherlands, who had developed a fever, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhea before he died. His 69-year-old wife also died after collapsing and being hospitalized.
A 69-year-old Briton is being treated in intensive care in Johannesburg, while authorities are reviewing measures for isolating and treating sick passengers.
Experts say it is possible that rodents got on board the ship, as this is not uncommon. Another possibility is that the infection occurred while the ship was in port in Argentina, as the incubation period can last up to eight weeks. Human-to-human transmission is considered highly unlikely, especially on a large scale.
How to reduce the risk of infection?
Experts advise caution in areas where there may be rodent droppings or signs. Spaces should be well ventilated before cleaning, and droppings should not be swept up with a dry broom, as particles can become airborne.
The use of disinfectants, protective masks and gloves is recommended, as well as washing hands after any contact with rodents, their cages or bedding.
Although hantavirus is rare in countries like Britain and the US, recent cases show that the virus remains a serious risk when people are exposed to infected rodents. Health authorities are continuing to analyze to understand the source of the outbreak, the mode of transmission and whether the virus has mutated. /GazetaExpress/
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