A hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship has put the virus in the headlines – and raised questions for travelers and the public alike.  

While international health authorities are closely monitoring the situation, hantavirus remains rare and the risk to most people, including Nebraskans, is very low.  

Kelly Cawcutt, MD, MS, senior medical director of infection prevention and hospital epidemiology, answers the most common questions about hantavirus, how it spreads and what you should know. 

What is hantavirus? 

Hantavirus is a rare virus carried by rodents that can cause serious illness in those infected. This includes severe infections with significant impact to the lungs and kidneys. There are several variants of hantavirus, but only one – the Andes virus – is known to transmit person-to-person.  

What are hantavirus symptoms and how severe are they? 

Early symptoms can be mild and seem like any other viral infection. Symptoms may include fatigue, fever, muscle aches, headaches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The symptoms can progress to being severe, often starting with shortness of breath and cough and progressing quickly, requiring emergency care.  

How long does it take for hantavirus symptoms to appear? 

Symptoms can appear anywhere from one to about eight weeks after exposure. 

Where are the hantavirus cases? 

Hantaviruses are found globally, with variants in different areas of the world. The Andes virus, which has potential for human-to-human transmission, is found in Argentina and Chile. The Sin Nombre virus is the primary variant found in North America, with most U.S. cases reported in the western and southwestern parts of the country. 

What causes hantavirus?  

Hantavirus infects people through exposure to urine, droppings or saliva of rodents, such as rats or mice.   

How long does hantavirus last?  

Illness can progress quickly and last days to several weeks, with varying recovery times based on the ultimate severity of illness.   

Can hantavirus be cured?  

There is no specific treatment or cure for hantavirus, but early medical care improves outcomes.  

How do doctors treat hantavirus?  

As there is no specific treatment for hantavirus, treatment is focused on supporting the patient through the infection. This includes providing fluids, oxygen and life-support measures as needed.   

Can hantavirus kill you?  

Yes. Hantavirus infections can be life-threatening and result in death.   

How does hantavirus spread? Is it airborne?  

Hantavirus is mostly spread through contact with rodent saliva, urine or droppings. Most humans who are infected cannot transmit the infection to others. The Andes virus can be transmitted person to person through body fluids and close contact, including droplets of saliva in the air. However, it is not classically considered airborne or as transmissible as other infections such as tuberculosis, measles or COVID-19.   

Can hantavirus spread from person to person?  

Rarely, through close contact with an infected person with the Andes virus. The U.S. hantavirus, Sin Nombre, is not transmissible from person to person.   

Should I be concerned about getting hantavirus if I recently traveled?  

Hantavirus is a rare infection, and the risk of getting it is very low for most people. Risk increases if you have close contact with rodents or rodent-infested areas in parts of the world where hantavirus infections have occurred.   

How do you prevent hantavirus?  

Generally, by avoiding contact with rodents and their droppings. When cleaning areas where rodents may be present, ventilate the space, wear gloves and wash your hands after any potential contact. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry material that could create dust, particularly if not wearing a mask. Infection from another human is rare and has been reported only with the Andes virus. It is important to avoid close contact with a person infected with the Andes virus and practice good hand hygiene.  

Have Nebraska Medicine doctors treated hantavirus before?  

Hantavirus is rare, but our physicians are experienced in recognizing and managing serious infectious diseases and are prepared to care for patients if needed.  

Does hantavirus pose a risk to people in Nebraska?  

The risk is very low in Nebraska, with less than 10 cases reported in Nebraska since 1993. Should a patient or traveler develop an infection, the risk to the public remains very low.  

Does hantavirus pose a risk to Nebraska Medicine staff or visitors?  

Our Nebraska Medicine teams are experts in biocontainment and the care of patients with serious infectious diseases, as well as the prevention of spread of infection to others. Even if our biocontainment team is asked to care for patients with hantavirus, the risk to staff and visitors remains extremely low.