90-Second Read: IN GOOD HEALTH: Hantavirus – What To Know About Your Risks

An outbreak caused by a Hantavirus was identified as the cause of the deaths, with an additional seven passengers ill with assumed or confirmed Hantavirus. The outbreak cluster is rare for Hantavirus and has many worried about the possible spread as passengers begin returning to their home countries. Given the nature of Hantavirus and the close monitoring by health organizations, it is very unlikely that these infections will lead to a pandemic.

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses spread by rodents like mice or rats. There are two types of illness or syndromes caused by Hantavirus. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a severe lung disease.

Since 1993, there have only been 31 cases of HPS documented in Oregon, with 5 deaths reported. The World Health Organization and the countries the passengers are returning to are monitoring all those aboard the MV Hondius. People exposed to areas contaminated with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva can develop symptoms about a week after exposure, though onset can take up to eight weeks.