You may have seen a headline about hantavirus linked to a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean and wondered what it's all about.
The good news is that while hantavirus can be serious, it's very rare and the risk of getting it in Australia remains very low. Here's a look at what's going on and what it means for you.
Key facts
- Hantavirus is a rare but serious viral infection that can cause flu‑like symptoms and, in some cases, breathing problems.
- You can get hantavirus from exposure to infected rodents’ droppings, urine or saliva. The virus does not spread easily between people.
- A recent cruise ship case of hantavirus has prompted monitoring, but Australian health authorities advise that the risk in Australia remains low.
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a rare but serious viral infection that can cause severe illness, including problems with the lungs.
People usually become infected through contact with infected rodents, or their droppings, urine or saliva. This can happen, for example, when contaminated dust is disturbed and breathed in.
What are the symptoms?
Early symptoms can feel like other viral illnesses and may include:
As the illness gets worse, some people may start to feel short of breath or develop a cough. This can happen if the virus affects the lungs. If you develop symptoms after possible contact with rodents, it's important to get medical advice.
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Why is hantavirus in the news?
Hantavirus has recently been in the news following a reported case linked to a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. International and Australian health authorities have responded and are closely monitoring the situation.
How common is hantavirus in Australia?
There has never been a reported case of hantavirus in people in Australia.
Should I be worried?
While hantavirus can be serious for people who become infected, the likelihood of a widespread outbreak globally is very low. The virus does not spread easily between people, and most Australians are not at risk in their day‑to‑day lives.
What is the Australian Government doing?
The Australian Government continues to monitor the situation closely and provides public health advice focused on risk awareness and prevention. This helps ensure Australians have accurate, up‑to‑date information and can take sensible precautions if needed.
Where can I get reliable information?
For the latest official advice, visit the Australian Centre for Disease Control website, which provides clear, evidence‑based updates on hantavirus and other infectious diseases.
Want more like this?
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