90-Second Read: Is there a treatment or vaccine for Hantavirus? What to know about the illness

A Hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship has brought the rare rodent-borne illness to the forefront. But despite the outbreak, global health officials note the risk to the general public remains low because the virus's germs do not easily spread between people. Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for Hantavirus.

According to the World Health Organization, investigations of the cruise ship outbreak remain ongoing, including determining the source of exposure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified the outbreak as level 3, meaning the risk to the public remains low, but six states are tracking residents for possible infections. Anant Kamath, who has worked in virology since 1998, said he is hopeful their work will lead to a swab-style test within a year and treatment within one and a half to two years.

Three people have died, and there was another event in Argentina where 34 people were exposed. For those worried about the outbreak, Kamath wants them to know they are working on it. Officials said the virus usually spreads when people inhale contaminated residue of rodent droppings.