(NEXSTAR) – While hantavirus respiratory infections may still be rare in the U. S., they can be incredibly deadly.
The virus, which has been around for hundreds of years, received renewed attention last year when it was blamed for the death of Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman. In recent weeks, it’s caused even more concern following an outbreak among passengers and crew on a cruise ship.
The strain of hantavirus involved in the recent outbreak on the MV Hondius ship is called Andes virus. It can cause HPS, or hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. About 38% of people who develop respiratory symptoms die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Hantaviruses don’t typically spread person to person, but it appears the Andes virus strain can.
It’s more typical for the virus to spread through rodents, most commonly through the droppings, urine and saliva of rats and mice. It can also spread through scratches and bites, according to the CDC.
The most common type of rodent to carry the virus in the U. S. is the deer mouse.
Because rodents are the most common vector, people who come into frequent contact with them are at highest risk of catching a hantavirus. People may be exposed when cleaning enclosed spaces with little ventilation, like cabins or sheds, or when otherwise exploring areas with mouse droppings.
However, once someone is infected with the Andes virus strain and starts developing symptoms, they may be contagious. Scientists suspect the virus could be transmitted through small liquid particles that blow out of an infected person when they talk, cough or sneeze.
“To be able to officially spread it, you’ve got to have pretty close contact for a prolonged period of time to be able to spread,” said Dr. Donald Dumford, an infectious disease doctor at Cleveland Clinic. “It’s a little bit easier in an enclosed place like a cruise ship, but really it’s got to be close contact to be able to have that spread.”
In addition to prolonged, close contact, the Andes virus strain could also spread by kissing, sharing utensils or straws, or handling contaminated bedding, according to the CDC.
The World Health Organization and other public health officials caution against comparisons to the COVID-19 pandemic, in which the virus spread more easily through respiratory droplets.
“This is not the next COVID, but it is a serious infectious disease,” said Maria Van Kerkhove, director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness at the World Health Organization. “Most people will never be exposed to this.”
The best way to avoid the germ is to minimize contact with rodents and their droppings. Use protective gloves and a bleach solution for cleaning up rodent droppings. Public health experts caution against sweeping or vacuuming, which can cause virus particles to get into the air.
Person-to-person transmission is so rare, people shouldn’t panic about catching it as they socialize or travel, doctors say. Still, good hygiene never hurts, added Dr. Dumford.
“I think when you are traveling – whether you’re on a cruise ship, whether you’re on a plane, really anywhere – you just really should be mindful of the things that can keep you safe. No. 1 is always good hand hygiene. No. 2 is if someone is obviously sick, stay away from them. No. 3 is if you are sick stay away from other people.”
If someone does develop hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, the first symptoms can show up anywhere from one to eight weeks after exposure. The early symptoms are flu-like, and include fatigue, fever and body aches. The CDC says about half of those with HPS also have headaches, dizziness, chills and digestive issues like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Four to 10 days after those first symptoms, people may experience a worsening in their condition as lungs fill with fluid. These late symptoms can include coughing, shortness of breath, and a tight feeling in the chest.
Aside from HPS, the hantavirus can also cause something called hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, which can cause bleeding, high fever, and kidney failure. This usually develops within a week or two after exposure, and is less deadly than HPS.
There is no specific treatment or cure, but early medical attention can increase the chance of survival.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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