While the MV Hondius cruise ship hantavirus outbreak sounds terrifying—there were 11 confirmed cases and three deaths (a 27% fatality rate), per the World Health Organization—the disease typically isn't spread quite as rapidly, even if you're partying on the high seas.
The cruise ship with the recent hantavirus outbreak, Dr. Evans says, is "squarely within that virus's range."
That said, hantaviruses can be deadly, with Oscar winner Gene Hackman and his wife being the highest-profile people to fall victim to them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 38% of people who develop respiratory symptoms from hantavirus will die from the disease.
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That said, hantavirus is an airborne illness that you can get from inhaling feces, urine or saliva from infected rodents, as well as from infected rodent bites or scratches, as well as from touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or from eating food contaminated with rodent droppings or bodily fluids. However, things may get complicated and more dangerous with certain strains, as Dr. Evans pointed out previously.
What Are the First Signs of Hantavirus?
According to Dr. Mu Tomlinson, MD, CEO of Vituity and author of Less Than One Percent, the first signs of hantavirus can vary, but will typically include some or all of the following, and may appear anywhere between one week to two months after exposure to the virus:
FeverFatigue/exhaustionMuscle aches, especially in the thighs, hips, back and shouldersHeadacheChillsDizzinessDiarrheaRelated: What Is the Status of Hantavirus in the U.S.?
Dry coughChest tightnessShortness of breathRapid breathingFluid buildup in the lungs
That last one is the worst of the bunch and can be deadly, and the chest tightness is often a result of fluid filling the lungs, so if you feel it, get help from a physician immediately.
Related: First Case of Hantavirus Confirmed in North America
Does Hantavirus Live in Old Droppings?
Per the CDC, pregnant people, people with compromised or weakened immune systems and children younger than five years old are at the highest risk of contracting hantavirus and suffering severe symptoms. Exterminators, people with rodents as pets and animal caretakers are also at risk of infection for pretty obvious reasons: They're simply exposed to droppings, saliva and urine more often and more likely to be bitten or scratched due to their proximity to rodents that can carry the virus.
Is It Possible To Have Hantavirus and Not Know It?
It sure is. Testing for hantavirus can be difficult, and because so many hantavirus symptoms overlap with our respiratory illnesses, many people who are infected don't realize it.
Related: Hantavirus Breaking Up Cruise Ship Begins Evacuation Process as Symptom-Free Guests Prepare to Return Home
What Kills Hantavirus?
When you get back inside, wash your hands with gloves on for two minutes, then remove and dispose of the gloves and wash your bare hands for another two minutes.
If you're talking about wanting to nix a hantavirus infection, there is no magic bullet or pill for that—since it's a virus and not a bacterial infection, antibiotics won't help. Your best bet is to manage symptoms with a doctor's help and supervision until you recover.
Related: There’s an ‘Allergy-Like’ COVID Symptom Spreading This Season
Does Washing Clothes Get Rid of Hantavirus?
The CDC recommends washing clothes with a hot water cycle if you suspect you've been exposed to hantavirus. If your washing machine has a sanitize cycle, that's even better.
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Sources:
Dr. Tyler Evans, MDDr. Mu Tomlinson, MD"About Hantavirus." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."Hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel, multi-country." World Health Organization."Hantavirus Prevention." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."Hantavirus Questions, Answered." American Lung Association."You Can Prevent Hantavirus." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hence then, the article about these are the most common first symptoms of hantavirus according to infectious disease experts was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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