What is hantavirus and how does it spread?

What is hantavirus and how does it spread? Americas

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04:30

Issued on: 04/05/2026 - 17:36Modified: 04/05/2026 - 17:42

04:30 min Share From the show Reading time 1 min

Three people have died and three others are ill ⁠after a Netherlands-based cruise ship in the Atlantic was hit by a suspected outbreak of hantavirus. The virus is transmitted to humans through infected wild rodents, such as mice or rats, which shed the virus in their saliva, urine and droppings. In rare cases, it can also spread from human to human. FRANCE 24's Environment Editor Valerie Dekimpe tells us more.

By: Valérie DEKIMPE Advertising Related keywords

• hantavirus
• Cape Verde
• WHO
• Public health
• Health
• Environment