A hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship has led to 11 cases and three deaths, raising concerns about the disease's spread. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports no signs of a larger outbreak, but more cases are expected due to the virus's incubation period.
Hantaviruses, a family of viruses primarily spread by rodents, rarely transmit between humans. However, the Andes strain involved in this outbreak can spread through close contact. Climate change and habitat destruction are increasing the risk of spillover, as environmental changes boost rodent populations and disrupt ecosystems.
In Europe, the Puumala hantavirus causes mild illness but is rarely fatal. Experts warn that rising temperatures could extend transmission seasons in Northern and Western Europe. They call for better surveillance linking climate and ecological data, and for addressing root causes like deforestation to prevent future outbreaks.