The World Health Organization stated on the 7th that it has so far received reports of 8 cases, and the type of hantavirus involved in this outbreak is the Andes virus. The risk of this outbreak causing a broader public health threat remains low.
According to Xinhua News Agency, WHO held a press conference regarding the recent hantavirus outbreak onboard the much-discussed 'Hondius' cruise ship. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at the meeting that among the 8 reported cases, 5 have been confirmed as hantavirus infections, and 3 are suspected cases.
Tedros stated that the type of hantavirus involved in this outbreak is the Andes virus, which is found in Latin America and is currently the only known hantavirus type that can be transmitted from person to person, although only to a limited extent. In past outbreaks of the Andes virus, human-to-human transmission has been associated with close or prolonged contact, especially among family members, intimate partners, and healthcare providers—"so far, this does appear to be the case."
Tedros revealed that the first two reported cases had taken a birdwatching trip to Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, during which they also visited places known for the presence of rodents carrying the Andes virus. WHO is currently working with health authorities in Argentina to track the couple's movements and arrange for the shipment of 2,500 virus testing kits from Argentina to laboratories in five countries.
Tedros pointed out that given the Andes virus’s incubation period can be as long as six weeks, more cases may be reported in the future. He also emphasized that while this is a serious outbreak event, WHO assesses that the risk to public health remains low.
According to reports, WHO is working together with multiple national governments and partners to respond to the outbreak. “Our top priority is to ensure that affected patients receive treatment, that the safety and dignity of other passengers on the ship are protected, and to prevent further spread of the virus,” Tedros said.
Currently, the cruise ship involved is heading to the Canary Islands in Spain for containment.