Hantavirus nearly killed me

This BBC World Service documentary explores the rare and deadly Hantavirus through the personal stories of two survivors, Christian from Germany and Lorne from Canada, both of whom narrowly escaped death after contracting the rodent-borne virus. Lorne recounts a harrowing experience in which he collapsed, suffered cardiac arrest for 11 minutes, and required ECMO treatment, while Christian describes a rapid decline into sepsis and kidney failure after a seemingly mild flu. The episode delves into the virus’s transmission—primarily through aerosolized rodent droppings—and highlights its high mortality rate (35–40%) in the Americas, particularly with the Andes virus, though person-to-person spread remains rare. Experts including virologist Angela Rasmussen, 'virus hunter' Emma Hodcroft, and clinician Michelle Hawkins explain that while there are no vaccines or antivirals, prevention through respiratory protection and decontamination is effective. The episode also covers the recent outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship, where eight people were treated, but global health authorities emphasize that the outbreak is contained and not comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both survivors reflect on profound life changes—Lorne’s renewed appreciation for basic human functions, Christian’s commitment to supporting healthcare infrastructure—and underscore the importance of gratitude, resilience, and public health vigilance.