Why experts say the cruise ship hantavirus outbreak is not another Covid

Three dead in cruise ship hantavirus outbreak, but experts say it's no repeat of Covid-19 | Contesto: cronaca

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• Why experts say the cruise ship hantavirus outbreak is not another Covid

Contesto

The World Health Organization has issued a warning that additional cases of hantavirus may surface following an outbreak linked to a cruise ship that has so far claimed the lives of three passengers. The agency, however, stresses that the situation is likely to remain contained if recommended health protocols are diligently followed. The outbreak, which occurred aboard a vessel whose name has not been officially released, has heightened public anxiety as memories of the Covid-19 pandemic remain fresh. Yet infectious disease specialists are drawing a clear distinction between the two pathogens. Hantavirus, unlike the novel coronavirus, is not transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets in the air. Instead, humans typically contract the virus through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, or by inhaling dust contaminated with these materials. This fundamental difference in transmission is the primary reason experts believe a widespread pandemic is highly improbable. The cruise ship environment, however, presents unique challenges. Passengers and crew spend extended periods in enclosed spaces, and the vessel's infrastructure—including storage areas, galleys, and ventilation systems—can sometimes harbor rodents. If sanitation measures are compromised, the risk of exposure increases. The three fatalities have prompted a thorough investigation by health authorities and the cruise line. The WHO has urged countries to enhance surveillance for hantavirus, particularly in port cities and among travelers who may have shared the ship with the deceased. Symptoms of hantavirus infection can include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, progressing to severe respiratory distress in some cases. The mortality rate for certain strains of hantavirus, such as the Sin Nombre virus common in the Americas, can be as high as 30 to 40 percent. Despite the tragic outcome, officials emphasize that the public should not panic. The containment measures recommended—rigorous rodent control, proper food storage, and prompt cleaning of any signs of infestation—are well-established and effective. The cruise industry has also implemented enhanced sanitization protocols...

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Categoria: cronaca