India, May 7 -- Health authorities are monitoring a hantavirus outbreak linked to the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, where confirmed and suspected infections have raised concerns over the rare but potentially deadly disease.

According to the World Health Organization, hantaviruses are typically spread through contact with rodents, especially through inhaling particles from dried urine, saliva, or droppings.

The strain linked to the outbreak is believed to be the Andes virus, found mainly in Argentina and Chile and known for rare human-to-human transmission through close contact.

Experts cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Associated Press and BBC say hantavirus infections often begin with flu-like symptom...