How is hantavirus spread? What to know about causes, symptoms

A luxury cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak is raising questions about the potentially deadly illness.

The ship, which was due to head to Spain, was marooned for days off the coast of Cape Verde with close to 150 people on board. Three people aboard died of suspected infections, while others are receiving care.

The risk posed by hantavirus to the wider public is low, according to the WHO on May 4.

"There is no need for panic or travel restrictions," WHO regional director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge said in a statement.

“While this is a serious incident, WHO assesses the public health risk as low," an official said during the briefing.

Here's what else to know about the infection.

What causes hantavirus?

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that naturally infect rodents, sometimes long‑term without apparent illness, and are occasionally transmitted to humans, according to the World Health Organization.

"Although many hantavirus species have been identified worldwide, only a limited number are known to cause human disease," the WHO adds.

How do you get hantavirus?

Hantavirus is primarily spread by rodents through exposure to their urine, droppings or saliva and less commonly through a scratch or bite, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"While rare, hantavirus may spread between people and can lead to severe respiratory illness and requires careful patient monitoring, support and response," the WHO notes.

On May 6, the WHO said the strain of hantavirus in the latest outbreak has been confirmed through laboratory testing as Andes virus, a strain found in South America that is believed to spread person-to-person.

Is there a vaccine for hantavirus?

There is no specific treatment that cures hantavirus diseases, according to the WHO, but early supportive medical care is "key to improve survival." This care includes clinical monitoring and managing any respiratory, cardiac or other complications, the organization says.

Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund and Eve Chen, USA TODAY; Reuters