Three dead on cruise ship—hantavirus basics explained
Three passengers died on a cruise ship, with hantavirus confirmed as the cause. The virus spreads via contact with infected rodent droppings or urine, not person-to-person.
• Symptoms appear 1–8 weeks after exposure: fever, muscle aches, fatigue, then respiratory distress
• No vaccine or cure; treatment is supportive care in ICU settings
• Risk on ships is low unless rodent nests are present in cargo or storage areas
• Prevention: seal food, avoid touching rodent waste, maintain ventilation