Media Coverage: GP Explains Hantavirus Symptoms and Why UK Risk Remains Low
Health experts are reassuring the public after a recent hantavirus outbreak linked to a Dutch cruise ship prompted international concern.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the overall public risk remains low, despite reports suggesting possible person-to-person transmission — something considered highly unusual for hantavirus infections, which are typically spread through rodents.
Dr Dominic Greenyer, GP and Director at The Health Suite, has outlined what people should know about the virus, including symptoms, transmission and the current level of risk in the UK.
What is hantavirus?
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that are mostly spread by rodents. Infection in humans is rare, but it can cause serious illness and death.
Hantaviruses are found in several regions around the world, including parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. In the UK, however, only the Seoul strain of hantavirus has previously been identified, and it is not known to spread between people.
How does it spread?
The virus is usually transmitted through contact with infected rodents, particularly via urine, saliva or droppings.
Because of this, reports of possible human-to-human spread linked to the cruise ship outbreak have drawn international attention.
Symptoms to watch for
Symptoms generally appear between one and four weeks after exposure and can initially resemble flu-like illness.
Dr Greenyer explains that symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Severe fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Shortness of breath
More severe cases can develop into respiratory complications or kidney-related illness, depending on the hantavirus strain involved.
What is the risk in the UK?
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stated that the risk to the wider UK population remains very low.
Dr Greenyer adds:
“The World Health Organisation currently classifies the risk to the global population as ‘low’.”
Experts continue to emphasise that hantavirus infections remain rare, and the current situation does not represent a widespread public health threat in the UK.
Read the complete article in HuffPost (UK)