Hantavirus: the risks, the science and what you need to know

Hantavirus: the risks, the science and what you need to know

From Short Wave by NPR

May 8, 2026 · 13 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the risks and science of hantavirus following reports of illness on a ship in the Atlantic Ocean.

On May 2, the World Health Organization got an alarming report: People aboard a ship in the Atlantic Ocean were falling ill. The culprit is now confirmed as hantavirus, a pathogen that some rodents carry that can infect humans in rare, but often deadly, instances. Multiple passengers have died, and more people are showing symptoms. So, we’re talking to Emily Abdoler , an infectious disease doctor at the University of Michigan, about the news – how common is hantavirus in humans, what are the consequences of getting it, and how can at-risk people protect themselves from it? If you found this episode interesting, listen to our episode on Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Interested in more science in the news? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org . Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

People in this episode

Guest: Emily Abdoler

Topics covered

  • hantavirus
  • infectious diseases
  • public health
  • rodent-borne diseases
  • symptoms
  • prevention

Keywords

  • hantavirus
  • infectious disease
  • World Health Organization
  • rodents
  • symptoms
  • prevention
  • public health

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: World Health Organization, University of Michigan

Places: Atlantic Ocean

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