14 | CFHN
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Hantavirus Outbreak CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
virus. In South America, Andes virus is found 
primarily in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.
WHY THE CRUISE OUTBREAK RAISED 
CONCERN
Health agencies identified Andes virus in the 
cruise ship outbreak.
“The Andes strain ... is unique in that it is the 
only hantavirus strain to our knowledge that 
can cause human-to-human transmission 
between close contacts,” John says.
That distinction gives the cruise outbreak 
a different public health profile from the 
hantavirus strains more common in the United 
States.
“The risk of transmission from person to 
person is much lower than other contagious 
viruses such as COVID-19,” John explains.
Cruise ships drew attention because people 
may share cabins, meals, excursions, and 
medical spaces over several days. John says 
person-to-person spread with Andes virus 
is linked to prolonged exposure and close 
proximity rather than brief public encounters.
The incubation period also complicates 
monitoring. John says symptoms typically 
appear two to three weeks after exposure, but 
the window can stretch much longer.
“Medical literature shows that typically a 
period of two to three weeks elapses between 
exposure and the first symptoms, but the 
incubation period can be up to seven to eight 
weeks,” he adds.
SYMPTOMS NOT TO BE IGNORED
Many early symptoms of hantavirus can look 
like other viral illnesses. John says patients 
may first experience fever, muscle aches, 
fatigue, 
and 
headaches. 
Gastrointestinal 
symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, 
and vomiting, may also occur.
“A distinct clue that differentiates it from other 
viral illnesses is the absence of a sore throat, 
runny nose, or a rash, which usually are not 
features of Hantavirus infection,” he explains.
For most people, a random cough or fever 
is far more likely to point to a routine illness. 
Hantavirus 
becomes 
a 
concern 
when 
symptoms follow a known risk, such as 
cleaning a rodent-infested space or having 
close contact with someone confirmed to 
have the Andes strain of the virus.
Some patients can progress to hantavirus 
pulmonary syndrome, a severe respiratory 
illness that can worsen quickly and require 
intensive care.
According to John, “Some patients can very 
quickly deteriorate in a matter of hours to 
days.”
With no specific antiviral medication available, 
care depends on recognizing the risk early 
and getting severely ill patients the right level 
of treatment. 
PREVENTION WITHOUT PANIC
With no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment 
for hantavirus, John says the focus shifts to 
reducing exposure before illness occurs.
“Prevention is the most effective measure 
against hantavirus infection,” he says.
CDC prevention guidance focuses on avoiding 
unsafe contact with rodent droppings, nests, 
urine, and saliva. People should not sweep or 
vacuum rodent-contaminated areas because 
that can stir particles into the air. Instead, public 
health agencies recommend ventilating the 
area, wearing gloves, and using disinfectant 
before cleanup.
John says general hygiene also remains useful, 
especially while traveling. Hand-washing and 
hand sanitizer can reduce many common 
infections, though hantavirus prevention 
depends most on avoiding and safely cleaning 
rodent-contaminated spaces.
John reflects on how the world has faced 
several emerging infectious disease threats in 
recent years, including COVID-19, Ebola, Zika 
and avian flu. Hantavirus is another reminder 
of how much public health preparedness 
matters.
“We need to be better informed, equipped 
and prepared to meet these challenges,” John 
says.
A clear understanding of how hantavirus 
spreads can help families take rodent exposure 
seriously while staying grounded in facts rather 
than fear. HN
“One of the myths or common misconceptions 
is that you can get hantavirus infection from the 
common house mouse. This is not true.”
– Dr. Lindsay John

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