Five things to know about hantavirus from a Stanford Medicine expert
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Stanford, California, United StatesConfidence 90%2 weeks ago
A Stanford Medicine expert provides five key insights into hantavirus, including its person-to-person transmission (Andes virus), high fatality rate, and lack of specific treatments, following a recent cruise ship outbreak.
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- PrimaryFive things to know about hantavirus from a Stanford Medicine expert
med.stanford.edu · 2026-05-12
A Stanford Medicine expert provided insights on May 12, 2026, following the cruise ship outbreak. The article highlights that the Andes virus, unlike North American strains, can spread person-to-person, as seen in a 2018-2019 Argentine outbreak. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) has a high fatality rate (35% in the US), with early flu-like symptoms rapidly progressing to severe pneumonia. There are no approved vaccines or specific antiviral therapies, with treatment focusing on supportive care.
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This report is an aggregated summary of public information for surveillance and awareness purposes only. It is not medical advice. For symptoms, exposure, or clinical decisions, contact a qualified clinician or your local public-health authority.