Investigation of Hantavirus Outbreak Aboard MV Hondius
The ongoing investigation into the hantavirus outbreak on the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius has raised concerns regarding the potential spread of the virus in the United States.
Reports indicate that three individuals have died, while at least eight others aboard the ship, which was traveling from Argentina across the Atlantic, have been infected, with several cases confirmed through laboratory tests, according to the World Health Organization and related health reports.
A minimum of five states are currently tracking residents who returned from the MV Hondius, including Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Arizona, and California.
Insights on Rodent-Borne Diseases
Historically, approximately 800 to 900 cases of hantavirus infection occur in the United States, noted Luis Marcos, MD, a medicine professor and director of the infectious disease fellowship program at Stony Brook School of Medicine in New York.
Supporting this, CDC data reveals that from 1993 through the end of 2023, there have been 890 reported hantavirus infections in the country.
“Most of these cases are primarily seen west of the Mississippi River, typically associated with exposure to rodent feces or urine,” Dr. Marcos mentioned.
The Sin Nombre strain is the most common, and it’s important to note that it does not spread from person to person, according to healthcare professionals.
“Infection is not as efficient as with other viruses,” he added.
Hantaviruses are mainly transmitted by inhaling contaminated particles from rodent waste or less commonly, through touching a contaminated surface and then your mouth, nose, or eyes. Notably, it is not contagious between people.
Current Outbreak and Risks
The present outbreak reportedly originated with a couple who contracted the virus during their trip to Argentina.
“They exhibited no symptoms. The incubation period for the virus can be one, two, three, or even four weeks,” Dr. Marcos explained.
Most infected individuals display symptoms that resemble those of influenza or the recent coronavirus, such as fever and muscle aches. “Some may experience mild symptoms, so severe illness isn’t a guarantee for everyone,” he clarified.
In more severe instances, hantaviruses can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), where fluid accumulates in the lungs, potentially resulting in death.
The mortality rate from HPS affects between 30% and 60% of those infected, making it a concerning virus, as noted by Dr. Marcos.
He emphasized that those most at risk are generally those in “close contact”—typically individuals sharing the same environment where fluids could be exchanged.
“The maximum incubation period is about 56 days,” he stated.
It requires really close contact; the risk of infection isn’t as high compared to other viruses.
While the virus can transmit through airborne droplets, Dr. Marcos pointed out that its effectiveness is nothing like that of COVID-19 or the flu.
“It’s crucial that individuals on this cruise are kept isolated for a certain time,” he noted.
Due to the virus’s lengthy incubation period, isolation periods may extend for several weeks. Dr. Marcos added, “The longest observed incubation period has been 56 days, but in most cases, symptoms begin to develop within two to three weeks.”
At present, no antiviral treatments exist for hantavirus, with patients often requiring hospital care. “We offer supportive care, meaning if their lungs fill with fluid, they may need a ventilator until we confirm the virus is gone,” he mentioned.
Currently, there is no available hantavirus vaccine in the United States, although several are under development, Dr. Marcos stated.
He expressed that the likelihood of hantavirus causing a widespread pandemic is “close to zero.”
“I don’t foresee a substantial risk of a pandemic here,” he remarked, explaining that hantavirus behaves quite differently compared to the coronavirus. “I genuinely believe we’ll have this situation manageable in the next two to three weeks, at which point we should have clearer insight into the number of infections,” he added.
To minimize the risk of hantavirus, Dr. Marcos recommends individuals wear gloves and masks in environments where rodents may be present, like while cleaning basements. Ensuring proper ventilation and frequently washing hands can also help reduce the likelihood of spreading the virus.
