Hantavirus: What You Need to Know

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Hantavirus came back to global attention in 2026 after a deadly outbreak was linked to a cruise ship that traveled through South America and Antarctica. Several passengers became seriously ill during the voyage, and some did not survive. Health authorities from multiple countries quickly joined the investigation as news of the outbreak spread worldwide.

Argentina, where the cruise ship began its journey, has also seen a significant rise in hantavirus cases in recent years. According to the Argentine health ministry, they have reported 101 infections since June 2025. The situation has raised important questions about how hantavirus spreads, who is at risk, and what people can do to stay safe.

In this article, we will share everything you need to know about hantavirus, from what it is and how it's spread to the symptoms and how to prevent it. We gathered the information from various sources, Thursday (7/5/2026).

Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried by wild rodents such as mice and rats. These animals carry the virus in their bodies without getting sick. Humans can get infected through contact with infected rodents or their waste.

There are different types of hantavirus around the world. In North and South America, the virus can cause a serious lung disease called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, also known as HPS. In Europe and Asia, it can cause a kidney disease called haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, or HFRS.

The Andes virus is a type of hantavirus found mainly in South America, especially in Argentina and Chile. It is the only known type that can, in rare cases, spread from one person to another through very close and prolonged contact.

Yes, hantavirus can be very dangerous. In the Americas, the disease can be fatal in up to 50 percent of cases. In Europe and Asia, the death rate is lower, usually between less than 1 percent and 15 percent, depending on the strain.

There is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral medicine to treat hantavirus. Doctors can only provide supportive care, which means helping the body fight the disease by managing symptoms and keeping the patient stable in a hospital.

Patients with severe cases may need intensive care, breathing machines, or dialysis for kidney failure. Early medical attention is very important. The sooner a patient receives proper hospital care, the better the chance of survival.

Hantavirus spreads to humans mainly through contact with infected rodents. When a person breathes in air that contains tiny particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, the virus can enter the body. This often happens in closed or poorly ventilated spaces.

A person can also become infected by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. In rare cases, a rodent bite can also transmit the virus. These situations are less common but still possible.

Most types of hantavirus do not spread from person to person. However, the Andes virus is an exception. It has been documented to spread between people who are in very close and prolonged contact, such as household members or intimate partners, particularly during the early stage of illness.

Symptoms of hantavirus usually appear between one and eight weeks after a person is exposed to the virus. Early signs are often similar to the flu, which can make it difficult to identify hantavirus right away without a medical test.

Common signs of hantavirus infection include:

- Fever and chills

- Headache and dizziness

- Muscle aches, especially in the thighs, hips, and back

- Fatigue or feeling very tired

- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea

- Stomach pain

- Shortness of breath and coughing, which may appear a few days after the first symptoms

- Low blood pressure in more severe cases

- Kidney problems, such as reduced urination, in HFRS cases

If you have been near rodents or rodent-infested areas and develop these symptoms, see a doctor right away. Tell the doctor about your possible exposure to rodents.

There is no approved vaccine for hantavirus, which means avoiding it comes down to the choices you make every day, especially around rodents and the spaces where they live. Here are the most important steps you can take to protect yourself.

1. Keep Rodents Out of Your Home: Seal any holes or gaps in walls, floors, and foundations that are large enough for a mouse to fit through. Store food, including pet food, in sealed containers. Keep your home clean and free of clutter, especially in storage areas.

2. Clean Rodent-Contaminated Areas Safely: Never dry sweep or vacuum rodent droppings, as this sends virus particles into the air. Wet the contaminated area with a bleach solution first, then wipe it up using gloves and paper towels. Wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning.

3. Be Careful Outdoors and When Travelling: Avoid sleeping near areas where rodents may nest, such as woodpiles or old buildings. When camping or hiking in areas where hantavirus is known to be present, keep food stored securely and avoid contact with local wildlife.

4. Seek Medical Help Early: If you develop fever, muscle aches, or breathing difficulties after possible rodent exposure, go to a hospital immediately. Tell your doctor where you have been and whether you may have had contact with rodents or their waste. Early care greatly improves the chances of survival.