WHO: The hantavirus outbreak does not pose a pandemic risk

Maria van Kerkhove, an epidemiologist at WHO, stated that the current situation regarding hantavirus is not comparable to that of Covid-19, as the virus is transmitted through close contact. This came in the context where health authorities are investigating cases of hantavirus that have emerged on the MV Hondius ship, where five out of eight suspected cases have been confirmed, and three people, including a 69-year-old Dutch woman, have died.

The hantavirus is usually transmitted from rodents, but in this outbreak, human-to-human transmission has been documented.

WHO has assessed the risk to public health as low, but has recommended wearing masks and protective equipment for those caring for suspected cases. It is also expected that more cases will be reported, considering the incubation period.

The cruise began on April 1 and included approximately 150 passengers, of which 29 disembarked in Saint Helena on April 24, and discussions for the repatriation of British citizens are ongoing.