What is the cruise ship hantavirus and how does it spread?

• Andes strain hantavirus confirmed in cruise ship passengers; this strain is notable for rare person-to-person transmission, unlike other hantavirus types which spread primarily through rodent contact.
• Person-to-person transmission risk requires close contact with infected individuals, making infection control and respiratory precautions relevant for healthcare settings managing suspected cases.
• Clinical vigilance warranted for hantavirus in returning cruise passengers presenting with fever and respiratory symptoms; consider in differential diagnosis and arrange appropriate biosafety measures for suspected cases.

The Andes strain of the virus has been confirmed in some passengers, which can rarely be passed from person to person.

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