"The World Health Organization suspects human-to-human transmission is driving the outbreak, which has seen at least eight people onboard the MV Hondius become sickened or die with a suspected or confirmed case of hantavirus."
"Several of these individuals have been identified as infected with the Andes virus, which is the only type of hantavirus known to be capable of human-to-human transmission."
"This outbreak is only the second confirmed outbreak where hantavirus was transmitted from person to person, with the first occurring in 2018 at a party in Argentina."
"Three people have died as a result of the infection, which can cause fluid buildup in the lungs and hemorrhagic fever, among other symptoms."
The hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius has resulted in at least eight cases and three deaths. Experts believe human-to-human transmission is occurring, particularly with the Andes virus, the only hantavirus known to spread this way. Hantavirus typically spreads through contact with infected rodents. This outbreak is only the second confirmed instance of person-to-person transmission. Previous outbreaks have been linked to rodent exposure, complicating the understanding of transmission mechanisms. Medical evacuations have occurred for affected individuals, including the ship's doctor, while others are receiving treatment.
Read at www.scientificamerican.com
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