Official confirmation from the World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced five confirmed cases ofHantavirusamong eight suspected cases reported following an outbreak on a cruise ship. At a press conference in Geneva, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the situation is being closely monitored, warning that “additional cases remain possible.” He explained that of the eight suspected cases, three deaths have been recorded, and five of the eight have been confirmed as Hantavirus, while the remaining three are still under investigation. This warning comes in light of the virus's long incubation period, which can extend up to six weeks, raising the possibility of new infections among those who have been in contact with the initial cases.
What is Hantavirus? General context and historical background
Hantavirus is not a new virus; it belongs to a group of viruses that are primarily spread by rodents, such as mice and rats. The virus was first discovered during the Korean War in the 1950s and was named after the Hantan River in South Korea, where a large number of American soldiers contracted a mysterious illness later identified as being caused by this virus. Humans are mainly infected by inhaling droplets containing the virus from the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents. Infection can also occur by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth, or through a bite from an infected rodent. It is important to note that human-to-human transmission is very rare, making it fundamentally different from viruses like coronaviruses, which spread easily among humans.
Importance and expected impact: symptoms and risks
Hantavirus outbreaks are a cause for concern due to the severity of the illnesses they cause. There are two main types of illnesses associated with hantavirus: hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which is prevalent in the Americas, andhemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), which is more common in Europe and Asia. Initial symptoms typically begin similarly to the flu, including fever, severe muscle aches, headache, and fatigue. In HPS, symptoms progress rapidly within a few days to include coughing and severe difficulty breathing due to fluid buildup in the lungs. The mortality rate for HPS is approximately 38%, making it a medical emergency. HFRS primarily affects the kidneys and can lead to acute kidney failure. There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for hantavirus, and treatment relies on supportive care in the hospital, particularly respiratory and renal support.
Prevention and control measures
Since rodents are the primary vector, preventing hantavirus infection relies on rodent control and avoiding exposure to them. Preventive measures include sealing holes and cracks in homes to prevent rodents from entering, storing food in airtight containers, and cleaning areas where rodents may be present with extreme caution. This includes wearing gloves and masks and using disinfectants to moisten contaminated areas before cleaning to avoid dispersing virus-carrying dust. The recent announcement from the World Health Organization underscores the importance of continued global health vigilance, even in the face of known viruses, especially in enclosed environments such as cruise ships, which can facilitate disease outbreaks.
