Crime & Safety
What is hantavirus? Symptoms, how it spreads and UK cases
The hantavirus outbreak has been reported on the Dutch-flagged passenger cruise ship MV Hondius, which was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde.
Health authorities are investigating the source of the virus, with some suggesting there could be a “mixture” of transmission, including close contact between passengers.
Experts said it is likely that initial infections were acquired off the ship with suspected human-to-human transmission among those with “really” close contact, such as people who have shared a cabin.
So far, eight individuals have become ill on the Dutch cruise ship, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), three of whom are confirmed as having hantavirus.
One of the confirmed cases is a British national currently receiving treatment in Johannesburg, while others remain stranded on the ship.
Three deaths have been reported in connection with the outbreak.
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried by rodents such as mice and rats, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and is transmitted by their droppings and urine.
This virus can cause a range of diseases from mild, flu-like illness to severe respiratory illness.
“There is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus infections,” the health experts added.
“Treatment is supportive and based on symptoms, such as hospital care and respiratory support.”
How do you catch hantavirus?
As rodents carry hantaviruses, human infection tends to occur in places where people and rodents coexist.
The UKHSA continued: “This is most commonly in rural, agricultural settings.
“The viruses can also sometimes be found in cleaning sheds, barns and holiday homes where rodents might have nested.”
People usually contract hantavirus by breathing in air contaminated with virus particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
It can also spread through cuts, eyes, or rodent bites.
The Government agency added: “Most hantaviruses do not spread between humans, although person-to-person transmission has happened with the Andes virus strain in rare cases.”
The hantavirus currently affecting the Dutch cruise has been confirmed as the Andes strain by the WHO.
Swiss authorities have confirmed a case of #hantavirus identified in a passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship.
He had responded to an email from the ship’s operator informing the passengers of the health event, and presented himself to a hospital in Zurich, Switzerland, and… pic.twitter.com/4mmBd7qSA4
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 6, 2026
Hantavirus symptoms
Symptoms of hantavirus infection can include:
- Fever
- Extreme fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Shortness of breath
The UK Health Security Agency said: “In some cases, people develop severe breathing difficulties requiring hospital care.
“Symptoms usually appear between 1 to 4 weeks after being exposed to the virus, but there are reports of symptoms occurring up to 8 weeks after exposure.”
Is hantavirus in the UK?
Hantaviruses are present throughout the world, including in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Only one strain of hantavirus has ever been detected in the UK – Seoul hantavirus.
This variant does not transmit person-to-person.
Do you have any hantavirus symptoms? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.