A hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, which departed from the city of Ushuaia in southern Argentina in April, is causing international concern.

Three people have died, and up to 10 passengers and crew got infected — eight cases have been confirmed and two are “probable” — according to the latest update from the World Health Organization (WHO).

While the WHO said they expect more people will test positive for the disease “given the dynamics of spread on a ship and the virus’ incubation period,” they clarified that, for now, “there is no sign” of “a larger outbreak.”

But what is hantavirus? Where does it come from and how does it spread?

If you never heard of this disease, here’s a guide of what you need to know.

What is hantavirus and where is it most prevalent?

Hantavirus is a rodent-borne disease endemic in the Americas, meaning that its presence is persistent and stable through time on the continent. It is mainly present in Argentina and Chile.

In Argentina, variants of the virus are present in provinces such as Salta, Jujuy, Entre Ríos, Buenos Aires, Chubut, Neuquén, and Río Negro.

Other strains are also found in Europe and Asia.

Is hantavirus contagious? 

Yes. Hantavirus is normally spread from infected rats to humans, causing the disease.

Different types of rodents infected with any variant of hantavirus can spread it to humans when the latter enter into contact with the animal’s droppings, urine or saliva. This can happen if a person accidentally touches or inhales particles from the infected animal waste.

A common way to get the disease is spending time in a closed environment that has not been properly cleaned after the rat was present or not washing one’s hands after touching an object that may have been contaminated with the virus.

Can humans spread hantavirus?

There is only one type of hantavirus that can be transmitted between humans: the Andes........

© Buenos Aires Herald