Israel reports first Hantavirus case in years

For the first time in several years, an Israeli citizen has been diagnosed with Hantavirus, according to the Hebrew-language newspaper *Maariv*. The case emerges during an exceptional outbreak of the virus aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius in the Atlantic Ocean.

The individual, who had been in Eastern Europe several months prior, presented symptoms consistent with a potential Hantavirus infection. Upon seeking medical attention in Israel, an antibody test indicated exposure to the virus. A subsequent PCR test, which identifies the virus's genetic material, confirmed the infection. *Maariv* reports that the patient's condition is stable and that he remains under medical observation only.

No link to cruise ship outbreak

This case is not connected to the outbreak on the MV Hondius. The Israeli infection involves a European strain of Hantavirus, distinct from the strain identified in the South Atlantic. On the MV Hondius, the Andes virus—originating in South America—was found. This strain is exceptional because it carries a rare risk of human-to-human transmission through close and sustained contact. In most other Hantavirus strains, infection occurs from rodents to humans, not between people.

The MV Hondius situation

The MV Hondius departed from Ushuaia in southern Argentina on April 1, 2026, on a route through Antarctica and isolated islands in the South Atlantic. Cases of severe respiratory illness were later reported on board. To date, three deaths and eight confirmed or suspected cases linked to the voyage have been reported. Various countries are trying to locate passengers who left the ship before the full extent of the situation became clear, to ensure they are not developing symptoms. The ship is expected to reach Tenerife in the Canary Islands, after Spain announced it would allow it to dock for medical and humanitarian reasons.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a family of viruses primarily carried in nature by rodents. Rodents can carry the virus without appearing sick but shed it in their urine, droppings, and saliva. When these excretions dry and break apart, tiny particles can become airborne and be inhaled into human lungs. This is the main route of infection in most cases worldwide. Depending on the strain and geographic region, the virus can cause severe disease in the lungs or kidneys.

How infection occurs

Common infection occurs when a person inhales dust contaminated with dried excretions from infected rodents. This can happen while cleaning a storage room, cabin, attic, equipment room, basement, summer house, kitchen, or any enclosed space where mice or rats have been present. Infection can also occur after touching a contaminated surface and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. A rodent bite or scratch is a possible but rarer route of transmission. Human-to-human transmission is not typical for most strains but has been described for the Andes virus with close and sustained contact.

Symptoms of Hantavirus

Early symptoms may resemble the flu or a common viral illness: fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, severe weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. Later, shortness of breath, cough, chest pressure, low blood pressure, and rapid deterioration of the general condition may appear. In European and Asian strains, kidney involvement may occur, sometimes with decreased urine output, back pain, bleeding, or kidney function disturbances. In American strains, particularly those causing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, severe respiratory distress may develop.

Treatment and prevention

There is currently no specific and proven antiviral treatment for most Hantavirus cases. Treatment therefore relies on monitoring and supportive care: careful fluid management, medications to reduce fever and pain, oxygen when necessary, monitoring of blood pressure and kidney function, and in severe cases, admission to intensive care, mechanical ventilation, and organ support. The earlier the disease is identified, the greater the chance of providing timely supportive treatment and preventing deterioration.

Prevention remains the most important tool: sealing openings, keeping rodents away, storing food in closed containers, wearing gloves when cleaning suspected areas, moistening waste with a disinfectant before removal, and avoiding dry sweeping.

This information comes from Itai Gal, a specialist in pediatrics, sports and aviation medicine, and an infectious disease researcher. He is the health affairs correspondent and medical analyst for *Maariv* and a lecturer in medicine and innovation.