Hantavirus can spread between people/Here's why it's not the next COVID

2026-05-14 08:31:00, Shëndeti CNA

Hantavirus can spread between people/Here's why it's not the next

The Andean virus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship has brought back memories of the COVID-19 pandemic and raised concerns about another global health crisis.

However, international experts and the World Health Organization emphasize that, while the virus is dangerous, it does not have the potential to become a pandemic like COVID.

As of May 11, European health authorities have reported nine cases linked to the cruise ship, including seven confirmed cases and two suspected cases, while three people have died.

Five Australians and one New Zealander will be repatriated to Australia, where they will initially be quarantined at the National Resilience Centre near RAAF Pearce military base in Western Australia.

Andean virus belongs to the group of hantaviruses, which are usually transmitted from rodents to humans through contaminated urine, feces, or saliva.

Unlike most hantaviruses, the Andes virus can also be transmitted from person to person, but experts explain that this happens rarely and only under certain conditions.

According to specialists, transmission requires very close and prolonged contact, mainly in closed, overcrowded and poorly ventilated environments. This distinguishes it significantly from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that caused COVID-19, which spread much more easily through the air and even from people without symptoms.

Experts explain that the Andean virus has a long incubation period and its spread is much more limited.

While COVID-19 caused a global pandemic due to rapid transmission, Andean hantavirus has only produced isolated outbreaks.

Initial symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and nausea. In more severe cases, the disease can progress to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a serious complication that causes severe breathing difficulties and can be fatal.

The World Health Organization recommends monitoring exposed persons for up to 42 days after the last possible contact with the virus.

Australian authorities have announced that returning passengers will initially spend three weeks in quarantine and then continue to be monitored.

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Andean dengue virus. Medical care focuses on respiratory support and management of complications.

However, experts praise the rapid response of the scientific community. Swiss laboratories managed to sequence the genetic code of the virus within a few days and share it publicly, helping to more quickly identify suspected cases and control the outbreak.

Despite the alarm, specialists insist that the Andean virus does not pose a pandemic threat similar to COVID-19, as its transmission is much more limited and requires specific conditions for spread./ CNA