Ex-Premier League manager details how Hantavirus 'nearly killed him'

Former Southampton head coach Ralph Hasenhüttl has revealed how he nearly died after contracting hantavirus in 2012.

Hasenhüttl, who previously managed Southampton between 2018 and 2022, contracted the virus 14 years ago during his time managing German side VfR Aalen.

Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried and transmitted by rodents such as rats and mice, usually picked up by those who come into contact with their droppings or urine.

The virus can be spread from person to person, although this is rare, and it is unlikely to be contracted in public places.

Symptoms include fever, fatigue, stomach pain, shortness of breath and vomiting. The virus is currently causing worldwide concern following a suspected outbreak on board the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius.

At the time of writing, three British nationals are suspected of having contracted the virus. One remains in a stable condition in the Netherlands, while a second is in intensive care.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the virus remains low risk to the general public, despite branding it a "serious incident".

Between 11 April and 2 May, three fatalities were reported as a direct result of hantavirus.

'I felt like there was a knife in my back'

Speaking to The Mirror, Hasenhüttl opened up about the ordeal he faced after contracting the virus in 2012.

At first, the Austrian put the fatigue he was feeling down to a mountain bike ride before his health deteriorated while he was sweeping his terrace.

"I went to bed and that’s when the pain in my head started," he explained.

"It felt like there was a needle in my head. Then I started to notice severe back pain. It felt like there was a knife in my back."

Medical professionals explained to the 58-year-old, who spent two weeks in intensive care, that the pain he was experiencing was in fact his liver and kidneys expanding due to the virus, causing them to press against other organs.

He added: "I was out for such a long time and didn’t know when I would be back. My heartbeat would wake me up because of how intense it was – I would just feel this thud in my chest."

Hasenhüttl was also informed that there was no immediate cure or effective vaccine.

"You have to wait until your body creates antibodies and then hope to survive," he added.

"It was just a waiting game. I tried to push away bad thoughts because I felt young, healthy and strong. I thought, 'Why should I die from a virus?'"

He also went on to explain that he did not experience any symptoms for around two to three weeks.

"I was cleaning the terrace without a mask and I think I inhaled the dust," Hasenhüttl revealed. "It takes about two to three weeks before it develops and symptoms show."