Recent reports of potential hantavirus exposure among international airline passengers have raised questions about the risk to global travellers, including those from the UK. While the exact number of potentially exposed individuals or the specific countries involved has not been widely disclosed, the nature of international travel means that individuals may have boarded flights to various destinations worldwide. Health authorities in affected regions are understood to be tracking individuals and providing guidance, though the overall risk to the general public, particularly in the UK, is considered to be extremely low.
Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried by rodents, such as mice and rats, and is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, or by inhaling airborne particles from these sources. It is important to note that hantavirus is not spread from person to person. The severity of illness can vary significantly depending on the specific hantavirus strain. In some cases, it can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory disease, or Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), which affects the kidneys.
Symptoms of hantavirus infection typically develop one to five weeks after exposure, though they can appear as early as a few days or as late as six weeks. Initial symptoms often resemble the flu and include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, dizziness, chills, and abdominal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain. As the disease progresses, particularly in HPS, patients may experience shortness of breath and coughing, which can rapidly worsen to severe respiratory distress. For HFRS, symptoms can include intense headaches, back and abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, and blurred vision, potentially leading to kidney failure.
Public Health England (PHE), now part of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has consistently stated that hantavirus infections are very rare in the UK. Most cases reported in the UK are typically acquired abroad in areas where the virus is endemic, such as parts of Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The organisation emphasises that the primary prevention method involves avoiding contact with rodents and their waste, particularly when travelling to areas known to have hantavirus. This includes taking precautions in cabins, sheds, or other enclosed spaces that may have been infested with rodents.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus infection, and management focuses on supportive care. For HPS, this often involves intensive care, including respiratory support with oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation. For HFRS, supportive care aims to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, blood pressure, and kidney function. Early diagnosis and prompt medical attention are crucial for improving outcomes in severe cases. Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with hantavirus after potential exposure should seek immediate medical advice.
For UK residents travelling abroad, especially to rural areas or regions with known rodent populations, it is advisable to maintain good hygiene, avoid direct contact with rodents, and be mindful of potential rodent droppings or nesting sites. Should any individual have concerns about potential exposure or symptoms, they should contact their GP or call NHS 111 for advice, informing them of their recent travel history.
Source: Public Health England (now UKHSA), NHS