The situation aboard the MV Hondius, a ship traveling from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde, has been a cause for concern since the World Health Organization (WHO) reported three deaths on May 4, 2026, linked to a possible hantavirus outbreak. The ship has not even been allowed to dock in the port of Praia, the Cape Verdean capital, and its passengers will therefore not be able to disembark, in order to… protect the Cape Verdean population", the country's health authorities indicated.
“ To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory-confirmed, and five other cases are suspected. Of the six people affected, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa.", the WHO had previously told AFP.
Read alsoThree deaths linked to a possible hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic
What is a hantavirus?
There isn't just one hantavirus, but several. These viruses are present in certain rodents. living in the forests and sometimes in nearby buildings", we can read on the website of Ministry of HealthThe pathogen is found in large quantities in their saliva, urine, and feces.
The ministry lists four different types of viruses responsible for transmissible diseases in humans: Puumala, Hantaan, Seoul, and Sin Nombre virus. Hantaviruses are found worldwide, including in Europe.
In the case of the cruise ship, the WHO indicated that the sequencing of the virus was currently underway, which would allow for more precise identification.
How does one become infected with a hantavirus?
As we've said, hantaviruses are naturally found in rodents (like rats and mice) and in their excrement. Humans can therefore be infected. by inhaling droplets of saliva or urine suspended in the air, or dust from excrement » left by these animals.
Infection through direct contact between a contaminated object and broken skin, or through ingestion of contaminated food or water, is possible, but much rarer. These viruses can also be spread through rodent bites and scratches, but again, this is unusual.
Furthermore, the WHO stated that " Although rare, hantavirus can be transmitted from person to person and cause serious respiratory illnesses. According to the website of the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, " only one type of virus, extremely rare, can be transmitted from one human being to another“.
What are the symptoms of a hantavirus infection?
Hantaviruses are pathogens that can cause extremely serious or even fatal illnesses. They are responsible for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (an infection that can be contracted in France) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
This disease attacks the lungs and begins one to eight weeks after infection by a rodent. Initially, it mainly causes fever, fatigue, and muscle aches—symptoms that can easily be mistaken for those of the flu. Later, symptoms include coughing and shortness of breath. The lungs fill with fluid. Infected individuals who develop respiratory symptoms can die.
As for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, it infects the liver and generally develops one to two weeks after contact with the rodent. At the onset of the infection, it leads to intense headaches, back and abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and visual disturbances. This is followed by a drop in blood pressure, internal bleeding, and acute kidney failure. Depending on the virus involved, mortality can range from 51 per 1,000 live births (PT/L) to 151 PT/L or be less than 11 PT/L. Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is an infection that is most often benign, sometimes asymptomatic."The Ministry of Health assures us, however.
Are there any treatments for hantavirus?
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are no treatments for infection with these viruses. Patients should receive supportive care, including rest, adequate hydration, and symptom management.", it is noted on their website.
Patients with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome may require intubation. Those with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome may require dialysis to remove toxins accumulating in their blood.
What precautions should be taken to avoid infection by a hantavirus?
The simplest and most effective precaution to avoid hantavirus infection is to avoid contact with wild rodents, both living and dead. This may involve sealing any openings through which they could enter a dwelling. It is also essential to prevent food supplies from being too easily accessible.
If you are in France and you have symptoms of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, following an activity particularly in the forest or in a dwelling that has remained unoccupied, it is important to contact a doctor.
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