A luxury cruise ship, the MV Hondius, experienced an outbreak of the Andes virus, a type of hantavirus that can spread from person to person. Over 100 passengers were evacuated, including 18 Americans now in biocontainment units in Nebraska and Georgia. So far, 11 cases have been reported among the ship’s passengers and crew, with three resulting in death. The World Health Organization is monitoring the situation, but experts believe it is unlikely to become a global crisis like Covid-19 due to its lower infectiousness. The virus primarily affects the lungs and has a long incubation period, with symptoms like fever and muscle aches appearing up to six weeks after exposure. Health officials are keeping a close watch on the situation to prevent further spread.
QUESTION: How might the experience of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic influence how health officials and the public respond to new virus outbreaks like the Andes virus?
All Your Hantavirus Questions, Answered by an Infectious Disease Expert
