What is the Hantavirus disease?

ALBAWABA - A virus outbreak caused panic aboard a Netherlands-based cruise ship, which left at least three people dead. But what do we know about the Hantavirus?

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced Sunday that three people have died of a suspected outbreak of the hantavirus, which is a rodent-borne virus that can cause severe and potentially fatal respiratory illness.

Six people were diagnosed with the Hantavirus on the ship. "Of the six affected individuals, three have died, and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa," the WHO added.

Oceanwide Expeditions, the company which owns the ship where the virus spread, said in a statement, "Two crew members on board require urgent medical care."

The cruise left from Argentina about three weeks ago with around 150 people on board, making stops in Antarctica and other destinations en route to Cape Verde, according to the media.

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What is the Hantavirus disease?

According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Hantavirus is a respiratory virus transmitted to humans through contact with rodent droppings and saliva, either by inhalation or direct contact.

The IFRC notes that transmission through direct contact with infected individuals is very rare.

Symptoms of Hantavirus include fever, fatigue, chills, and muscle aches as primary symptoms, in addition to headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sometimes diarrhea. Coughing and shortness of breath may appear in later stages.

The IFRC recommends rodent control measures as a key way to reduce the spread of Hantavirus.

Hantavirus symptoms:

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