Hantavirus Unlikely To Be Next Pandemic: WHO
A hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic has raised concerns, although experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) believe it is unlikely to become a global pandemic like the coronavirus. The virus has a long incubation period, but WHO officials are confident that it can be contained.
“This is not coronavirus. This is a very different virus. We know this virus. Hantavirus has been around for quite a while,” said Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s director for epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention.
The outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius cruise ship, where passengers from 12 countries, including the U.S., disembarked before the virus was detected. More than 100 people on the ship remain confined to their rooms as a precaution.
Health officials have confirmed three deaths among the eight confirmed or suspected cases of hantavirus. The virus, which has a high mortality rate, has been identified as the Andes virus. It is believed to have spread person-to-person on the ship due to close contact among passengers.
The WHO is closely monitoring the situation and working with health authorities in various countries to prevent further spread of the virus. They believe that with proper public health measures and international cooperation, the outbreak can be contained.
As the ship heads towards the Canary Islands, passengers are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms of the virus. The WHO is developing a plan for when the ship docks, which may include isolation for confirmed cases and monitoring for those who have been in contact with the virus.
Overall, the WHO is confident that the outbreak can be controlled if proper measures are implemented. They draw parallels to a past outbreak of the Andes virus in Argentina, where containment measures were successful in limiting the spread of the disease.
In conclusion, while the hantavirus outbreak is a serious concern, the WHO believes that with coordinated efforts and adherence to public health guidelines, the situation can be managed effectively.
