What is hantavirus? Symptoms, transmission, and prevention explained【Latest 2026】

In May 2026, following the departure of the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius from Ushuaia, Argentina, a cluster of hantavirus infections broke out on the Atlantic Ocean. As of 6 May, a total of eight cases had been recorded, resulting in three deaths. The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health in Hong Kong promptly followed up on the incident and reminded the public to stay vigilant. Many people are unfamiliar with “hantavirus” and are even concerned about the possibility of a large-scale outbreak. This article will explain, in one go, the causes, transmission routes, symptoms and preventive measures of hantavirus, so that you can obtain accurate information and protect your health.

Hantavirus belongs to the Bunyaviridae family and is a zoonotic infectious disease. Its principal hosts are wild rodents, including mice and voles. After human infection, it can cause two main diseases:

•    Haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS): mainly prevalent in Europe, Asia and Africa
•    Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS): mainly found in North and South America, with a relatively high mortality rate

Hantavirus is not a new virus; it was discovered by the scientific community as early as the 1970s. However, sporadic clusters of cases have emerged around the world in recent years, keeping public health authorities concerned.

The question many people are most concerned about is: can hantavirus be transmitted from person to person? The answer is: for the vast majority of hantaviruses, human-to-human transmission is extremely rare. The virus is mainly transmitted to humans via the following routes:

•    Inhalation of aerosol: the route with the highest infection risk. When the faeces, urine or saliva of infected rodents dry out, microscopic particles become suspended in the air and are inhaled by people
•    Direct contact: being bitten or scratched by virus-carrying rodents
•    Ingestion: eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water
•    Indirect contact: touching objects contaminated by infected rodents and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes

⚠️ Important note: the virus involved in this cruise incident was detected by the South African health authorities as Andes virus, a rare variant within the hantavirus family that can be transmitted from person to person, making it more concerning than other hantaviruses. WHO experts have stated that, at present, it is believed the incident will not develop into a global pandemic.

High-risk locations include rural areas, outdoor campsites, older buildings with severe rodent infestation, warehouses and derelict buildings. Travellers should pay particular attention.
 

The incubation period of hantavirus is approximately 1 to 8 weeks, and its early symptoms are easily mistaken for influenza, so special attention is needed. The symptoms of the two main diseases differ:

Among them, the mortality rate of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is as high as around 40%, and the condition can deteriorate rapidly within a few days, so it should not be taken lightly. If persistent fever, severe muscle aches or difficulty breathing occur, seek medical attention immediately.

The risk of local hantavirus infection in Hong Kong is relatively low. According to the Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong has recorded 0 hantavirus infection cases so far in 2026, and there have been no local cases related to the latest cruise ship incident.

However, as international travel becomes increasingly frequent, the risk of imported cases should not be overlooked. The Centre for Health Protection in Hong Kong has reminded the travel industry and cruise operators to strengthen preventive measures, and has urged the public to understand the risk of infectious diseases at their destination before travelling. Those planning to visit rural areas, mountainous regions, or high-incidence areas such as Eastern Europe and South America should be especially vigilant.
 

At present, there is no specific treatment for hantavirus, nor is there any approved vaccine available for prevention. Current treatment is mainly supportive, including:

•    Stabilising blood pressure and vital signs
•    Maintaining kidney function (patients with HFRS may require dialysis treatment)
•    Providing respiratory support (patients with HPS may require intubation or a ventilator)

As hantavirus can deteriorate rapidly, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. When seeking medical attention, you should proactively inform the doctor of any recent travel history and possible exposure to rodents, to help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis.
 

The core strategy for preventing hantavirus is to control rodents and cut off routes of transmission. Below are practical preventive measures:

Daily household measures:
•    Keep your home tidy, avoid clutter, and reduce hiding places for rodents
•    Store food in sealed containers and clear rubbish daily to avoid attracting rodents
•    Wash hands thoroughly with soap, especially before and after handling food and after using the toilet (rub hands for at least 20 seconds)
•    Avoid touching dead rats, droppings or urine with bare hands; if cleaning is necessary, wear gloves and a mask
•    If signs of a rodent infestation are found (such as droppings or gnaw marks), contact pest control professionals as soon as possible

For travel and camping:
•    Choose designated campsites and avoid pitching tents near areas frequented by rodents
•    When camping, keep food and rubbish properly sealed and do not leave them inside the tent
•    Avoid touching dead rats, droppings or urine with bare hands; if cleaning is necessary, wear gloves and a mask
•    If you develop unexplained fever or other symptoms after travelling, seek medical attention immediately and inform the doctor of your travel history

 

Although hantavirus is rare in Hong Kong, this recent cruise cluster incident reminds us that understanding its transmission routes, symptoms and preventive measures is the first step in protecting ourselves and our families. If you or a family member have recently been exposed to rodents, or have developed symptoms such as fever, muscle aches or breathing difficulties after visiting a high-risk area, do not simply monitor the situation on your own. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, and proactively inform the doctor of the relevant exposure history.

For those planning to travel, it is advisable to first understand the infectious disease situation at your destination before departure, and to purchase suitable travel insurance for yourself to prepare for any unexpected medical circumstances.
 

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.