The WHO has assessed the global risk of hantavirus transmission as low
On May 18, the World Health Organization stated that it currently assesses the global risk of hantavirus transmission to the public as low. The WHO emphasized that it is closely monitoring the situation and continues to track potential cases of the disease.
“The risk to public health has been reassessed based on the most up-to-date information available; the global risk remains low,” the statement said.
The WHO also noted that the risk to passengers and crew members of the cruise ship MV Hondius, where the hantavirus outbreak occurred, remains moderate. The organization added that in individuals who were exposed to the virus before control measures were implemented, the disease may manifest during the incubation period, so they should be closely monitored.
The WHO notes that while new cases of the disease are possible among the ship’s passengers and crew, the risk of the infection spreading is expected to decrease after disembarkation and the implementation of control measures.
Hantavirus outbreak: experts assess the risks of a global pandemic.
We also reported: Among the crew members of the MV Hondius, where a hantavirus outbreak was recorded, there are five Ukrainian citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that no signs of a deterioration in their health have been detected so far.
The disease on board the MV Hondius, owned by the Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions, which has claimed the lives of three passengers, may have been introduced by Argentine rats or mice.
