politics
Hantavirus outbreak: Who is most at risk of catching the deadly virus?
Key takeaways
- The virus, which has been around for hundreds of years, received renewed attention last year when it was blamed for the death of Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman.
- The strain of hantavirus involved in the recent outbreak on the MV Hondius ship is called Andes virus.
- Hantaviruses don t typically spread person to person, but it appears the Andes virus strain can.
Why this matters: political developments that affect policy direction and public trust.
The virus, which has been around for hundreds of years, received renewed attention last year when it was blamed for the death of Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman. In recent weeks, it s caused even more concern following an outbreak among passengers and crew on a cruise ship.
The strain of hantavirus involved in the recent outbreak on the MV Hondius ship is called Andes virus. It can cause HPS, or hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. About 38% of people who develop respiratory symptoms die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Hantaviruses don t typically spread person to person, but it appears the Andes virus strain can.
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