What hantavirus is and how it spreads

A suspected hantavirus outbreak on a luxury cruise ship has drawn attention to a rare rodentborne illness that can be serious or fatal. Health officials said investigations are ongoing, and experts are reviewing test results to identify the strain and understand how the virus spread. Hantavirus is mainly carried by rodents such as mice and rats. People can become infected by breathing in particles from contaminated urine, droppings, or saliva, especially when cleaning enclosed spaces like cabins, sheds, or storage areas. In rare cases, some hantaviruses can spread between people through close and prolonged contact. Symptoms can begin one to eight weeks after exposure and may include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, nausea, and breathing problems. There is no specific antiviral treatment, but early medical care can improve survival. In Canada, the disease remains uncommon, with only a small number of confirmed cases each year.