WHO Says Public Health Risk from Hantavirus Remains Very Low Despite Recent Outbreak
WHO Says Public Health Risk from Hantavirus Remains Very Low Despite Recent Outbreak
—————————-
The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that the risk posed to the general public by the recent hantavirus cases remains very low, despite international concern following a rare cluster of infections linked to a cruise ship.
In its latest update, WHO officials noted that the cases — including several confirmed and suspected hantavirus infections and deaths reported aboard the MV Hondius in early May — have been limited in number and largely associated with the specific environment of the ship. The outbreak involved the Andes virus strain, a form of hantavirus that can, in rare instances, spread between people through prolonged close contact, but does not generally transmit easily from person to person.
According to WHO’s Disease Outbreak News, as of 8 May, there were a total of eight cases, including three deaths among passengers and crew, with six laboratory‑confirmed infections identified as hantavirus. The agency has assessed the risk to the global population as low and emphasized ongoing monitoring and cooperation with affected countries.
WHO Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reiterated that while further cases may be identified due to the virus’s incubation period, the current data do not suggest a broader public health threat or pandemic‑like spread. WHO is coordinating efforts under the International Health Regulations and working with international partners to trace contacts and contain the limited outbreak.
