The outbreak of hantavirus on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius has raised international concern, as the incident is linked to the Andean virus, the only type of hantavirus with documented cases of human-to-human transmission.

However, experts and international health organizations emphasize that the risk to the public remains low and that there is no risk of a new pandemic. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organization have stated that the situation is being monitored, but there is no reason to panic.

Speaking to the Greek media, epidemiologist Gikas Mayorkinis from the National University of Athens stated that the transmission of this virus from one person to another is “extremely limited” and requires very close and prolonged contact.

“We are not at risk of a hantavirus pandemic”, he declared, adding that there is no high risk of spreading outside the cruise ship. According to experts, hantaviruses have existed for thousands of years and are mainly transmitted by rodents.

In South America, the so-called “New World viruses” circulate, including the Andes virus, which is associated with more severe respiratory forms and a higher mortality rate.

While in Europe, hantavirus forms are considered milder and are not transmitted from person to person. Mayorkinis emphasized that the mortality rate for Latin American types can vary from 10 to 30%, although the figures may be overestimated due to undiagnosed cases with mild symptoms.

According to the World Health Organization, every year between 10 thousand and 100 thousand cases of hantavirus are registered worldwide, with different severity depending on the type of virus. Experts clarify that currently there is no vaccine or specific treatment for

hantavirus and that the treatment of patients remains mainly supportive. Symptoms usually appear one to eight weeks after exposure and include fever, fatigue, respiratory problems and, in some cases, kidney damage.

Health authorities recommend avoiding contact with rodents, using gloves and masks when cleaning indoors, and maintaining hygiene, especially in rural areas or places where rodents may be present.

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Source: prizrenpost