The deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship has put citizens and health authorities on high alert.

Experts believe a few passengers were infected with the Andes strain of hantavirus, which has a mortality rate of up to 40% because it affects the lungs and kidneys, which are critical for survival.

Hantavirus is typically transmitted to humans by inhaling particles from infected rodent droppings, urine or nesting materials.

In the case of the infected passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, the World Health Organization insisted that no rodents had been found on the liner.…