A rodent-borne virus known as hantavirus has drawn renewed global attention following reports of infections and deaths linked to a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.
Health authorities say the disease, though rare, can be severe and potentially fatal, prompting renewed public health advisories on prevention, symptoms, and transmission.
What exactly is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a disease mainly spread by infected rodents such as rats and mice.
Humans become infected after coming into contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
According to health experts, the virus is most commonly transmitted when people breathe in contaminated air particles, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces where rodents have been present.
The disease is not new.
Cases have been reported in different parts of the world for decades, although outbreaks remain relatively uncommon.
Different strains of hantavirus exist in various regions.
In the Americas, the virus is often associated with a severe lung infection known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), while in Europe and Asia, it is more commonly linked to a kidney-related illness called Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).
How does it spread?
Health authorities say the virus is mainly spread through contact with infected rodents or their waste products.
People can become infected through:
-Breathing in dust contaminated with rodent urine or droppings
-Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes
-Handling rodents, whether dead or alive
-Consuming food contaminated by rodents
Experts warn that activities such as sweeping or cleaning rodent-infested rooms without proper protection can stir virus particles into the air and increase the risk of infection.
In rare cases, one strain known as the Andes virus, mostly found in South America, can spread from person to person through close contact.
However, public health officials emphasize that most hantavirus infections are not transmitted between humans.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually appear one to eight weeks after exposure to the virus.
Early signs can resemble common illnesses such as flu or COVID-19, making early diagnosis difficult.
Common early symptoms include:
Fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, chills, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
As the disease progresses, patients may develop severe breathing difficulties as fluid builds up in the lungs.
Doctors say this stage can become life-threatening within hours if medical attention is not sought quickly.
Some patients may also experience coughing, chest tightness, and low blood pressure.
In severe cases affecting the kidneys, symptoms may include abdominal pain, blurred vision, or reduced urine output.
Why is it considered dangerous?
Although hantavirus infections are relatively rare, they are feared because of their high fatality rates.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome can kill between 30 and 40 per cent of infected patients, according to global health data.
There is currently no specific cure or antiviral treatment approved for hantavirus infection.
Patients with severe disease often require intensive hospital care, oxygen support, or mechanical ventilation to help them breathe.
Medical experts say early detection significantly improves survival chances.
“Prompt medical attention is critical once symptoms begin, especially breathing problems,” public health officials say.
Is Kenya at risk?
Kenya has not reported a major hantavirus outbreak, but health experts caution that rodent-borne diseases remain a public health concern in many countries.
Urban settlements, poorly stored food, overcrowding, and unhygienic waste disposal can create environments that attract rodents and increase the risk of infections.
Public health surveillance teams routinely monitor unusual disease outbreaks and work closely with international agencies to track emerging health threats.
The Ministry of Health has also previously issued advisories encouraging proper sanitation and safe food storage practices to reduce rodent infestations.
How can people protect themselves?
Prevention mainly focuses on avoiding contact with rodents and maintaining clean environments.
Health experts recommend:
Keeping homes and workplaces clean, properly storing food in sealed containers, closing holes or gaps where rodents can enter buildings, disposing garbage properly and avoiding direct contact with rodents or their nests.
When cleaning rodent-infested areas, experts advise people not to sweep or vacuum dry droppings because this can spread contaminated dust into the air.
Instead, surfaces should be sprayed with disinfectant or bleach solution and wiped carefully while wearing gloves and masks.
People handling rodents professionally, including laboratory workers and pest control personnel, are advised to use protective equipment.
What the Ministry is doing on Hantavirus in Kenya
The Ministry of Health has moved to reassure Kenyans that precautionary measures are already in place following the reported hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship abroad.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the government is closely monitoring the situation through the World Health Organization and other international health partners to track developments and assess any potential risk to the country.
She said surveillance systems at airports and seaports have been strengthened to screen travellers for possible symptoms, while health facilities across the country have been alerted to remain vigilant and watch for suspected cases among recent travellers.
The PS said rapid response and laboratory testing systems have also been placed on standby to ensure swift action in the event of any suspected infection.
“Following the reported hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship abroad, counties are advised to enhance surveillance, activate emergency preparedness measures, and strengthen infection prevention and control systems,” Muthoni said.
She urged county health departments to remain alert and ensure frontline health workers are prepared to identify and manage any potential cases.
Muthoni also called on the public to take preventive steps to reduce the risk of infection by maintaining high standards of cleanliness in homes and workplaces.
She advised Kenyans to keep their surroundings clean and free of rodents, store food safely, dispose of waste properly, and wash their hands regularly with soap and water.
The PS further cautioned against direct contact with rodents and their droppings, noting that contaminated dust can carry the virus when disturbed during cleaning.
“We are advising the public to keep homes and workplaces clean, prevent rodents from entering buildings, store food safely, strengthen hand hygiene, and use safe cleaning practices to reduce the risk of hantavirus infection,” she said.
She added that anyone who develops fever, fatigue or breathing difficulties, particularly after recent international travel, should seek immediate medical attention for assessment and care.
Health officials have emphasised that while hantavirus infections are rare, public awareness and early detection remain critical in preventing severe illness and limiting any possible spread.
Should the public panic?
Health officials insist there is no need for panic because hantavirus infections remain rare and are generally preventable.
However, they say awareness is important, particularly for travelers, campers, farmers, and people living in areas with high rodent activity.
Experts also caution against misinformation spreading online whenever outbreaks occur.
“Most people will never encounter hantavirus, but understanding how it spreads helps reduce unnecessary fear and encourages practical prevention measures,” health specialists say.
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