Hantavirus Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention Tips
Recently, the news shared a scary story about a cruise ship called the MV Hondius. The ship had to stop in the Netherlands so workers could clean it from top to bottom. This happened because several people on the ship got very sick with hantavirus, according to a PBS News report.
Hearing about a deadly sickness on a fun vacation can make anyone feel worried. But what exactly is this sickness, and should you be afraid? Let us look at the facts so you can keep your family safe.
What Exactly Is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a rare but very serious illness caused by a virus. These germs do not come from the cold weather or from swimming in the ocean. Instead, they come from mice and rats, the World Health Organization explains.
According to the Mayo Clinic, these germs live in the pee, poop, and spit of infected rodents. When humans get too close to these animals or their nests, the germs can enter the human body and make a person very sick.
How Do People Catch It?
Most of the time, people catch this sickness by cleaning up old, dusty places like sheds, barns, or cabins. When you sweep up dry mouse poop, the germs fly into the air. If you breathe in that dusty air, the germs go into your lungs.
The Cleveland Clinic explains that most strains of this virus do not spread from person to person. However, there is one special type, the Andes virus, found in South America. This is the type that made people on the cruise ship sick, and it is the only kind that can sometimes pass from person to person, the CDC adds.
What Are the Early Warning Signs?
If someone catches hantavirus, they will not feel sick right away. It can take a few weeks to feel bad. The first signs feel just like a very bad flu. You might have a high fever, chills, and very sore muscles, especially in your legs and back.
Some people use smart health tools, like the Oura Ring, to monitor changes in their bodies while they sleep. These devices can track things like body temperature, so they might notice you are getting warmer than normal before you even realize the flu-like symptoms are starting.
What Happens as the Sickness Gets Worse?
After a few days of feeling like you have the flu, the sickness moves into the lungs. This is the most dangerous part. The virus causes the tiny blood vessels in the lungs to leak. The lungs then fill up with fluid, making it very hard to breathe.
Having strong, healthy lungs gives you the best chance to fight off any chest sickness. This is a very good reason to stay away from bad habits like vaping, which can damage your lungs and make it much harder for your body to heal.
How Can You Keep Your Home Safe?
The best way to stop hantavirus is to keep mice and rats out of your house. Make sure all your food is sealed in tight containers. If you find mouse poop in your garage or attic, never use a broom or a vacuum to clean it up right away.
Sweeping makes the dangerous dust fly into the air. Instead, spray the poop with a mix of water and bleach. Let it sit for a few minutes so it gets completely wet. Then, wipe it up with a paper towel while wearing gloves and wash your hands.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you have been cleaning out a dusty shed or cabin and suddenly feel very sick a few weeks later, do not wait. You must go to the doctor or the emergency room right away. Tell the doctor that you were around mouse droppings.
Telling your healthcare expert about the mice helps them test you quickly. Since this illness can get worse very quickly, seeking medical care early can save your life.
Bottom Line
Hearing about the cruise ship outbreak might make you feel scared. It is easy to let our minds worry about getting sick or fall for strange internet rumors about made-up illnesses. But hantavirus is a real disease, even if it is very rare. By keeping rodents out of your home and cleaning up safely, you can protect yourself. If you stay smart and careful, you have nothing to fear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a vaccine to stop this sickness?
Right now, no shot or vaccine can protect you from it. The only way to stay safe is to avoid mice and rats, and to clean their nests properly with wet sprays rather than dry brooms.
Can my dog or my cat catch this virus?
No, dogs and cats cannot get sick from this specific virus. However, if your cat catches a sick mouse and brings it into your house, the mouse could still spread the germs to you.
Is it safe to go camping in the woods?
Yes, camping is safe and fun. Just make sure to keep your food in tight boxes so mice do not come into your tent. If you stay in an old cabin, air it out by opening the doors and windows before you go to sleep.
Sources
PBS News. Securly - Geolocation sharing. Pbs.org. Published 2026. Accessed May 18, 2026. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/hantavirus-stricken-cruise-ship-docks-in-the-netherlands-for-disinfection
World Health Organization. Hantavirus. Who.int. Published 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hantavirus
Mayo Clinic. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Published 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hantavirus-pulmonary-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20351838
Cleveland Clinic. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome: Symptoms & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Published December 8, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17897-hantavirus-pulmonary-syndrome
CDC. Andes Virus Outbreak on a Cruise Ship: Frequently Asked Questions. Hantavirus. Published May 11, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/faq/index.html
