90-Second Read: What Is Hantavirus? The Rare Disease Linked to the Deadly Cruise Ship Outbreak

Three people have died after a suspected outbreak of Hantavirus on a cruise ship in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. This is the most deadly kind of Hantavirus; tragically, about 38 percent of people who develop these symptoms die from the disease. The Rare Disease Linked to the Deadly Cruise Ship Outbreak appeared first on Katie Couric Media. The World Health Organization announced the deaths (all currently suspected to be linked to the disease), and one laboratory-confirmed case of the rare disease, in a social media statement on Monday.

This disease can be caused by different viruses and some are more deadly than others, meaning between 1 percent and 15 percent of cases can be fatal. In a closed environment such as a cruise ship, there are two possible ways passengers could have contracted Hantavirus. They should then monitor all passengers for Hantavirus symptoms. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which affects the lungs, is mainly found in the United States.

Hantavirus is a rare but severe respiratory illness that can cause severe bleeding, fever and even death. Hantavirus does not typically spread from person to person. There are two main types of Hantavirus, each with different symptoms. Although alarming, cases of Hantavirus remain are extremely rare.

Unfortunately, there's no specific treatment or cure for either type of Hantavirus. The other possibility is that rodents may have entered the ship on cargo, and then spread the disease to passengers through their infected urine or droppings. To contain this suspected outbreak, authorities must first ensure any rodents are safely contained and removed from the ship.