Israel has recorded its first reported case of hantavirus, according to Israeli media, after a patient developed symptoms following a stay in Eastern Europe.
The patient’s condition is described as stable. According to the reports, the person has not required intensive care or strict isolation.
The case was first identified through an antibody test indicating exposure to the virus and was later confirmed by PCR testing. Details released so far do not identify the patient, their place of residence or the medical centre where the examination took place.
How hantavirus spreads
Hantaviruses are a family of viruses carried mainly by rodents. Human infection usually occurs when people inhale tiny particles from dried urine, droppings or saliva from infected mice or rats, particularly while cleaning storage areas, holiday homes or other enclosed spaces where rodents have been present.
Less commonly, infection can occur through a bite or scratch.
Early symptoms can resemble those of a common viral illness, including fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, severe weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
Some strains can later cause severe lung disease, with shortness of breath, coughing, fluid in the lungs, low blood pressure and strain on the heart. Strains found mainly in Europe and Asia can also cause haemorrhagic fever with kidney involvement.
There is no specific proven antiviral treatment for most hantavirus infections. Care is mainly supportive and may include monitoring, oxygen or kidney support when needed.
No confirmed link to cruise ship outbreak
Based on the information currently available, the Israeli case has not been linked to the outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship, where deaths and suspected or confirmed cases have been reported.
That outbreak involved the Andes strain, which in rare cases has been reported to spread from person to person after close and prolonged contact.
The World Health Organization has said the risk to the general population remains low.
