Important for:

UPSC, Haryana HCS, Punjab PCS
Prelims: Hantavirus, zoonotic diseases, WHO
Mains: GS Paper 2 & 3 — Public Health, Disease Outbreaks, Global Health Security

Why in News?

A suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship near Cape Verde left around 150 passengers stranded, raising concerns about infectious disease management and global health preparedness.

What is Hantavirus?

➤ A group of viruses mainly spread by:

✔ Rodents

Infection Happens Through:

• Rodent urine
• Saliva
• Droppings becoming airborne

Can Hantavirus Spread Between Humans?

➤ Usually:
❌ Human-to-human spread is rare

➤ WHO states:
✔ Spread is mostly linked to rodents

Symptoms of Hantavirus

Early Symptoms:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Body pain

Severe Symptoms:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Fluid in lungs

Why is it Dangerous?

➤ Some forms can cause:

✔ Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
✔ Kidney-related illness

→ Severe cases can become fatal

Is There Any Treatment?

❌ No specific antiviral treatment

➤ Current treatment includes:
✔ Supportive care
✔ Rest
✔ Fluids
✔ Oxygen support

Why This Incident is Important

1. Global Health Security

Cruise ships can rapidly spread diseases

2. Need for Surveillance

Early detection is critical

3. Public Health Preparedness

Importance of quarantine & emergency response

Key Public Health Concerns

• Cross-border disease spread
• Limited medical facilities onboard
• Fear & panic during outbreaks

Global Context

➤ Similar outbreaks have highlighted:

✔ Need for WHO coordination
✔ Importance of zoonotic disease monitoring

India-Specific Relevance

India also faces risks from:

• Zoonotic diseases
• Rodent-borne infections
• Weak sanitation in some regions

Key Insight for UPSC

➤ Important concept:

✔ One Health Approach
(Human + Animal + Environment health linked)

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. Hantavirus is mainly spread by:
A. Mosquitoes
B. Rodents
C. Birds
D. Water
⇢ Answer: B

Q2. Hantavirus affects mainly:
A. Skin
B. Lungs and kidneys
C. Bones
D. Eyes
⇢ Answer: B

Q3. WHO stands for:
A. World Health Office
B. World Human Organization
C. World Health Organization
D. Health World Organization
⇢ Answer: C

Q4. Hantavirus transmission between humans is:
A. Very common
B. Rare
C. Impossible
D. Waterborne only
⇢ Answer: B

Q5. Hantavirus is an example of:
A. Genetic disorder
B. Zoonotic disease
C. Nutritional disease
D. Lifestyle disease
⇢ Answer: B

CBL Mains Practice Question

“Emerging zoonotic diseases highlight the importance of the One Health approach.”
Discuss with reference to recent global outbreaks.

FAQs

1. What is hantavirus?
A rodent-borne viral disease.

2. How does it spread?
Through rodent droppings, saliva, and urine.

3. Is it fatal?
Severe cases can become deadly.

4. Is there a vaccine?
No specific treatment or vaccine.

5. Which GS paper covers this?
GS2 and GS3.