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. Unlike COVID-19 or influenza, Hantavirus is not typically airborne and is not spread before symptoms appear. No cases have been reported in the U.S., and the risk to Americans remains low.

There are two main groups: "New World" Hantaviruses, found in the Americas, and "Old World" Hantaviruses, found in Asia and Europe. New World Hantaviruses tend to cause severe lung disease, including Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. These viruses have existed for decades, if not centuries, and cases are reported sporadically in the United States. Of the 150 on board, three passengers have died, and several others are being monitored for symptoms.

Welcome to Ask the Expert, a UTHealth Houston newsroom series in which leading physicians examine pressing health challenges. 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. 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.

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. 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. Many patients also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.