On May 2, 2026, news of an outbreak of Hantavirus found on a cruise ship spread, provoking fear in many.  Additionally, cases of Ebolavirus were discovered in the  Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which spread throughout many communities.  

Hantavirus, which was first discovered during the Korean War when US soldiers were infected, comes from rodents’ feces or urine.  The first case of the Hantavirus outbreak was found on a cruise ship, the MV Hondius, sailing from Argentina to Antarctica. The MV Hondius was a nature cruise, giving passengers the opportunity to interact with animals from several parts of the world.  Some believe the outbreak was caused by an interaction with these wild animals in landfills.  Of the 150 passengers on the ship, 18 returned to the US, including one who tested positive for the virus, and one with mild symptoms.  As of May 14 there were more than 40 people being monitored in the US at special facilities in both Omaha, Nebraska and Atlanta, Georgia.

There are also several other passengers infected in countries such as France, Spain, and Canada.  While the disease is difficult to contract, it can quickly become both dangerous and potentially fatal.  This disease can take up to six weeks to transmit between people.  Symptoms of the virus include fevers, chills, and aches.  The disease has developed into 38 different strands, affecting its victims in several different ways.  Many of the passengers on the ship were sent home after the cruise ship left South America.  The disease has a 15 percent fatality rate in Europe and Asia, and a near 50 percent fatality rate in the Americas.  

“I am not particularly worried mainly because Hantavirus does not spread like a traditional airborne ailment.  One can contract it only by coming into contact with rat waste or excretions.  I’m not around rats much, so I’m not too worried nor do I anticipate an outbreak on the scale that COVID-19 was on let alone an epidemic or even a pandemic,” said sophomore Jackson Brous.

The outbreak of Ebolavirus in the DRC was also unexpected, as vaccines have been developed in recent years. This outbreak was first discovered in the city of Bunia.  The city was not receiving enough medical support, leading to rapid deaths and a higher fatality rate.

Originally discovered in 1976 in the DRC, Ebolavirus comes from fruit bats, which carry the disease without being infected.  Humans can contract the disease by coming into contact with bodily fluids of infected people.  Four out of six people who come into contact with the disease do not survive.  Symptoms include aches, pains, and fatigue.  It can take up to three weeks to contract the virus if exposed.   

“Right now, I’m not really scared about the virus outbreak in Africa, because it’s so far away.  I really hope our government is careful about it to make sure it doesn’t spread here, because it can become extremely dangerous,” said senior Dylan Borell.

Healthcare professionals have been working to find a viable vaccine to aid recovery.  The US, Canada, and the United Nations have all provided resources to stop the spread of Ebolavirus, including protective gear, sanitation devices, and money to help increase the accessibility of emergency facilities.

“I think Ebola could lead to the improvement of medical care in underdeveloped/newer countries.  It could spread, however with more advanced medical viruses spreading, overall I am not concerned.  If Congo could gain support from other countries, the spread of the disease would decrease, which would be great,” said freshman Chase Tam.