Hantavirus could become endemic in the Canary Islands due to rats that may contract the virus and swim long distances.

#Rats are excellent swimmers and can swim up to 1.5 kilometres in open water. They can survive in the water for up to three days at a time. Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by #rodents, such as #mice and rats. Rodents infected with hantavirus do not usually show signs of illness. One passenger’s body remains on board. Rats, which might contract the virus, could lead to #hantavirus becoming endemic in the Canary Islands. Who is making those decisions? #hantavirus #Hanta

Rats are excellent swimmers and can swim up to 1.5 kilometres in open water. They can survive in the water for up to three days at a time. Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents, such as mice and rats. Rodents infected with hantavirus do not usually show signs of illness. One passenger’s body remains on board. Rats, which might contract the virus, could lead to #hantavirus becoming endemic in the Canary Islands. #hantavirus #canaryislands