Hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship highlights serious health risks.
Image: Daniel Dan / Pexels.
Hantavirus is dominating headlines after an outbreak on a cruise ship was reported last week.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that seven cases of hantavirus have been identified, including two laboratory-confirmed cases and five suspected cases.
The virus is a rare but potentially fatal disease spread mainly through contact with infected rodent droppings or urine.
The severity of it begs the question: can hantavirus be cured and treated?
According to health experts, the virus poses a serious risk once symptoms develop, but it is worth noting that it is currently not curable with a specific drug or antiviral treatment.
According to the WHO, there is no licensed cure, vaccine, or specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus infections.
Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that there is no specific treatment for the virus, meaning doctors cannot directly eliminate it from the body with medication.
Although hantavirus cannot be cured directly, patients can still recover, especially if they receive early and intensive medical care. Treating hantavirus patients means focusing on managing symptoms and supporting vital organs, rather than taking specific medication.
This can include supportive care, taking plenty of rest, drinking fluids, monitoring symptoms, pain relief and fever management, respiratory support, oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation for breathing difficulties.
In severe cases, advanced life support such as ventilators or ECMO may be used.
Intensive care (ICU) management, careful monitoring of heart, lung, and kidney function, fluid management and blood pressure support, hospitalisation and early admission can improve survival chances.
Antibiotics are not effective against hantavirus itself, although they may be used if doctors suspect a secondary bacterial infection.
Yes. While severe forms such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) can be deadly, many patients recover fully with timely treatment, especially if care begins early in the illness.
However, delayed treatment can lead to life-threatening complications, including respiratory failure.
Scientists are continuing to investigate.
IOL