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The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has stated that the risk of a new pandemic stemming from a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean is low. He emphasized that the current situation does not resemble the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hantavirus Situation on Cruise Ship

Reports of a hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius emerged several days ago. The vessel carries 149 people on board. According to the latest information, seven tourists have been diagnosed with the virus, and tragically, three have died.

While a highly contagious form of the virus was identified in a patient in Switzerland, government officials there do not believe there is a significant risk of further spread.

Understanding Hantavirus

Hantaviruses are a group of pathogens capable of causing severe lung or kidney diseases in humans. Most types are transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that certain hantaviruses can lead to a severe, sometimes fatal, lung infection known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).