90-Second Read: Ask the Expert: The real risk of Hantavirus | Newswise

In this edition, we address a Hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship. The Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius garnered national attention after patients were sickened by the Andes virus, a strain of Hantavirus. Newswise, The Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius garnered national attention after patients were sickened by the Andes virus, a strain of Hantavirus. No cases have been reported in the U.S., and the risk to Americans remains low. Hantaviruses are RNA viruses that typically spread through rodents.

There are two main groups: "New World" Hantaviruses, found in the Americas, and "Old World" Hantaviruses, found in Asia and Europe. These viruses have existed for decades, if not centuries, and cases are reported sporadically in the United States. Unlike COVID-19 or influenza, Hantavirus is not typically airborne and is not spread before symptoms appear. Of the 150 on board, three passengers have died, and several others are being monitored for symptoms. He also serves as chief epidemiology officer for Memorial Hermann Health System.

Welcome to Ask the Expert, a UTHealth Houston newsroom series in which leading physicians examine pressing health challenges. New World Hantaviruses tend to cause severe lung disease, including Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Old World Hantaviruses are more commonly associated with hemorrhagic fever and kidney failure. If you suspect you have Hantavirus or have been in contact with someone diagnosed with it, call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room. According to the Associated Press, Argentina's leading hypothesis is that a Dutch couple contracted the virus during a bird-watching outing at a garbage dump before boarding.

Connecting Research and Experts with Journalists Unlock Your Access to Newswise Research News including Embargoed News and Expert Pitches Journalists use Newswise as a source for research news, experts, ready-to-use content and story ideas. Public readers discover the latest research news in science, medicine, social sciences, environment, technology, factchecks and business news from the world's most credible universities and research organizations. Transmission generally requires close, prolonged contact with someone who is visibly ill, often involving exposure to bodily fluids. Initial symptoms are similar to a flu-like illness, with patients experiencing fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. Many patients also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.