Hantavirus Symptoms You Should Never Ignore: What To Know Amid the Recent Cruise Outbreak

When you think of a cruise, you probably picture fresh ocean breezes, great food and plenty to do. But today, cruises made headlines for a different reason: a respiratory illness called hantavirus, after a third passenger on an Oceanwide Expeditions voyage in the Atlantic Ocean died on May 2. If this is your first time hearing about the virus, the news can feel especially alarming. The good news? Hantavirus is rare, and understanding how it spreads puts you in control. We asked experts to break down what hantavirus is, how it’s linked to travel and the symptoms you need to watch for.

What is hantavirus?

“Hantavirus is a virus that is transmitted from [infected] rodents to humans through their urine, fecal matter, saliva or other contaminants,” explains Austin Shuxiao, MD, founder of a mobile IV company in NYC. “The virus is shed through these transmission points and can transfer to humans through direct contact exposure.”

Dr. Shuxiao explains that hantavirus is not a mild respiratory illness like the common cold. Instead, it can injure the lungs, kidneys and other essential organs. It’s the same virus that killed Besty Hackman, wife of the legendary actor Gene Hackman, in March 2025.

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How is hantavirus spread?

Dr. Shuxiao explains that the people most likely to contract hantavirus are those in close contact with rodents or more prone to rodent exposure, including:

• People living in rodent-infested homes, sheds, crawl spaces, barns or cabins 
• People who handle rodents, including pet handlers
• Those who live in campers, as well as those working in agriculture, construction, ranching, animal care or outdoor recreation (where they may be more likely to be exposed to rodent urine or rodent droppings)

As far as the most recent hantavirus infections on the Oceanwide Expeditions cruise, it’s very rare. “Hantavirus is absolutely not more common on cruises,” explains Dr. Shuxiao. “Unlike other cruise-ship related illnesses like norovirus, which is transmitted from person to person and through contaminated foods, hantavirus needs the presence of rodents. Cruises are much more unlikely to house a rodent infestation compared to an average household.”

So what led to the cruise ship cases? Dr. Shuxiao says it’s likely that passengers were exposed before boarding or during stops along their itinerary.

Tyler B. Evans, MD, MS, MPH, CEO of Wellness Equity Alliance, and author of Poverty, Pandemics and Politics, adds that the only hantavirus known to spread between people is a rare strain found in parts of South America. Because the cruise itinerary included that region and that cases appeared over several weeks at sea, the possibility of onboard transmission cannot be ruled out. That is what makes this outbreak clinically significant and why the investigation is ongoing.

Hantavirus symptoms you need to know

Even if your odds of being exposed to infected rodents are low, it’s important to know the symptoms of hantavirus and when to seek help. Dr. Shuxiao says hantavirus symptoms include: 

• Fatigue due to the body’s increased demand during infection
• Muscle aches or abdominal problems caused by the body’s inflammatory response
• Dizziness linked to changes in blood vessels and blood pressure
• Cough, shortness of breath and chest tightness due to fluid leaking into the lungs
• Low blood pressure caused by changes in blood volume and circulation

What to do if you’re experiencing hantavirus symptoms

If you suspect you might be experiencing symptoms of hantavirus, seek urgent medical care—especially if you’re older or have a compromised immune system. Hantavirus treatment typically involves supportive care in an ICU, which may include oxygen therapy, use of a ventilator, help managing fluids and more. The most important thing to note: Early intervention is crucial, so be sure to visit a doctor or hospital immediately if you notice hantavirus symptoms.

What older adults should know about hantavirus 

If you’ve been keeping up with the hantavirus cruise cases, you may have noticed that the victims whose ages have been released so far were older adults. While the age of the victim who died this past weekend has not yet been revealed, the first reported victims were ages 70 and 69, according to CNN.

So does this mean older adults are more likely to contract hantavirus? Dr. Shuxiao says no. He explains that while older adults are not at higher risk of catching the virus, they are more likely to experience a severe response and symptoms, which can increase the risk of serious complications or even death.

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5 questions to ask yourself before getting on a cruise

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While cruises are not inherently high risk for hantavirus, Dr. Evans, an infectious disease specialist, still recommends asking yourself five key questions before traveling:

1. What medical care can be handled onboard vs. what would require an emergency evacuation?
2. How long could an evacuation take depending on where you are during the trip?
3. Does the ship have access to diagnostic testing if you get sick?
4. Does your insurance cover air ambulance transport from a remote location?
5. Would your doctor consider this type of trip safe based on your health?

The bottom line on hantavirus symptoms

Learning about hantavirus cases can feel unsettling, but knowledge is power. You now understand what hantavirus is, how it spreads and the symptoms to watch for. Most importantly, you know that early recognition and prompt medical care make a real difference.

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