The Hantavirus situation is serious and still evolving, but the overall public health risk remains low, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.
The assessment comes after multiple confirmed and suspected cases linked to an outbreak aboard the cruise vessel MV Hondius, where several passengers have been evacuated for medical treatment. Three people have reportedly died due to this virus.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the agency is coordinating with governments under the International Health Regulations to manage the situation.
“Given the incubation period for Andes virus, which can be up to six weeks, it’s possible that more cases may be reported,” he said, while adding that WHO currently assesses the public health risk as low.
Health experts have said that the outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, which is typically spread by rodents but has, in rare cases, shown limited human-to-human transmission under prolonged close contact.
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‘This is not COVID’: WHO
WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove said the virus behaves very differently from respiratory infections such as COVID-19 or influenza.
“This is not COVID, not influenza. It operates very, very differently. This is a very different virus and we know this virus, it has been around for many many years,” she said.
Are masks necessary?
Health authorities have also issued guidance on preventive measures on board the MV Hondius, including the use of medical masks in specific situations. The WHO said masks are recommended mainly for those who are caring for symptomatic individuals or who have close, prolonged contact with suspected cases. WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove clarified that these precautions are targeted and situation-specific.
Hantavirus case: Updates
About 146 passengers and crew from 23 countries remain on board the MV Hondius under strict isolation and monitoring measures, Oceanwide Expeditions said. This includes cabin confinement, disinfection protocols, and medical masking.
So far, eight cases, including three confirmed and five suspected, have been identified among those connected to the ship. Two patients were evacuated to the Netherlands in serious condition, while another evacuation remains pending.
Health authorities in multiple countries, including the US, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, and Canada, are monitoring passengers who previously disembarked, the WHO said. One Swiss patient who tested positive is currently receiving treatment in Zurich after responding to a health alert issued by the ship operator.
Investigations by South African and international health agencies are ongoing to trace contacts and determine the full extent of transmission.
