Travel Guard Health Advisory

What is Hantavirus?

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried primarily by rodents. In humans, infection can cause serious illness, most commonly:

• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) (mainly reported in the Americas)
• Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) (more common in Europe and Asia)

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is the form most often associated with severe illness.

How serious is the situation?

Hantavirus infections are rare, and outbreaks are typically limited in scope. In this reported cruise-associated situation, cases appear to be linked to a specific exposure rather than widespread transmission onboard.

Health authorities are monitoring the situation and carrying out investigations as needed.

For most travelers, including cruise passengers, the overall risk remains very low, particularly in the absence of direct exposure to rodents or contaminated environments.

How does Hantavirus spread?

Hantavirus does not spread from person to person in most cases (with very rare exceptions for certain strains).

Transmission typically occurs through:

• Inhalation of aerosolised particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva
• Direct contact with contaminated materials
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth
• Rarely, rodent bites

Cruise ship–related exposure may occur if rodents gain access to storage areas, cabins, or food supplies, although such events are uncommon due to strict hygiene controls.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually develop one to eight weeks after exposure and may initially resemble a flu-like illness:

Early symptoms:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches (especially large muscle groups)
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain

Later symptoms (Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome):

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid progression to severe respiratory distress

Symptoms can worsen quickly, so early medical attention is important.

Who may be at higher risk?

Individuals at higher risk include:

• Those with direct or prolonged exposure to rodents or rodent-infested areas
• People involved in cleaning enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces
• Individuals with occupational or environmental exposure (e.g., maintenance or storage areas)

There is no specific increased susceptibility based solely on age or underlying conditions, but severe disease can occur in otherwise healthy individuals.

How can I protect myself while travelling?

General precautions include:

• Avoid contact with rodents and rodent droppings
• Do not handle dead rodents
• Practise good hand hygiene
• Avoid sweeping or vacuuming areas that may be contaminated (this can aerosolise particles)
• Ensure food is stored securely and not exposed

On cruise ships, standard hygiene and pest control measures significantly reduce risk.

What should I do if I develop symptoms?

If you develop symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, or respiratory symptoms after recent travel or a cruise:

• Seek medical advice promptly
• Inform the healthcare provider about your recent travel and potential exposure
• Follow medical advice regarding monitoring, testing, or hospital care if required

Early recognition is important, particularly if respiratory symptoms develop.

Is testing available?

Yes. Testing for hantavirus infection is available and may include:

• Blood tests (serology or PCR)

Testing is typically recommended if a person has compatible symptoms and a history of potential exposure.

Is there a vaccine or treatment?

• There is no widely available vaccine for hantavirus.
• Treatment is supportive, often requiring hospital care in severe cases.
• Early intensive medical care improves outcomes.

Should I continue travelling?

For most travelers, this situation does not significantly affect travel plans, including cruise travel.

However:

• If you feel unwell, especially with fever or breathing difficulties, seek medical advice and consider postponing travel.
• Follow any guidance issued by cruise operators or public health authorities.

References

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Hantavirus Fact Sheet
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Hantavirus
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)