Spain Detects 2nd Hantavirus Case After MV Hondius Outbreak as Doctors Warn Death Can Reach 50%
Updated
Updated · Bhaskar English · Jun 2
Spain Detects 2nd Hantavirus Case After MV Hondius Outbreak as Doctors Warn Death Can Reach 50%
3 articles · Updated · Bhaskar English · Jun 2
Spain has identified a second hantavirus case among travelers evacuated in April from the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak off West Africa, reviving concern after several passengers fell ill and some died.
Doctors say hantavirus usually spreads through contact with infected rodents’ urine, feces or saliva, not routine human-to-human transmission, though some South American strains have shown person-to-person spread.
WHO data cited in the report put fatality at up to 50% in the Americas and 15% in Asia, with severe cases often turning deadly within 6 weeks and no specific antiviral treatment widely available.
Travelers face higher risk in rodent-heavy areas, especially during camping or trekking; prevention centers on avoiding droppings, protecting food and water, and using N95 masks when cleaning enclosed spaces.