The World Health Organization reported that three people have died from hantavirus on the cruise ship.
Hantavirus is mostly transmitted from rodents to humans. However, on the ship, the virus has also spread from person to person. This is rare.
Estonian virologist Irja Lutsar says there is no reason to panic. There were no Estonians on the ship. The virus is not as easily transmitted as the coronavirus.
There are also hantaviruses in Estonia. One of them is the Saaremaa virus, which is milder.
There is no cure for hantavirus, but it can be prevented. In spring, protective equipment should be worn when cleaning cellars and attics.
Lutsar recommends using respirators and gloves when cleaning dust. This helps prevent infection.
Hantavirus can cause three types of diseases: fever, kidney disease, or lung and heart damage.
Severe forms of the disease can be life-threatening. If a person receives timely medical help, they have a better chance of recovery.
It is important that infected people get to a doctor quickly. This helps reduce mortality.