Hantavirus outbreak can be contained, says Dr Soumya Swaminathan
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Former WHO Deputy Director-General Dr Soumya Swaminathan has said the ongoing Hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius can likely be contained because the virus spreads far less easily than Covid-19 or measles.
Speaking about the Andes strain, the only known hantavirus capable of human-to-human transmission, Dr Swaminathan said transmission requires prolonged close contact.
“This particular strain, the Andes strain, is probably the only one of the Hantavirus that can be transmitted from human to human,” she said.
According to Dr Swaminathan, cases on the cruise ship were mainly identified among passengers sharing cabins or having close, intimate contact.
She said the virus has been detected in different biological samples, including saliva and blood, and may also be present in semen. She also noted the possibility of airborne spread because the Andes strain causes respiratory infection and pneumonia.
“There’s also a good chance that it is aerosolised because the Andes virus causes a respiratory infection and pneumonia,” she said.
However, she stressed that the virus is significantly less transmissible than Covid-19, SARS, or measles and does not spread through casual contact.
“Contact tracing and the steps that are being taken now to isolate people are likely to be very effective,” she said. “With this virus, it’s possible to contain the outbreak.”
The outbreak has drawn attention in India because Indian crew members were reportedly on board the MV Hondius. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has increased surveillance at airports and ports, including screening arrivals and monitoring symptomatic contacts.
WHO officials said authorities are preparing for the safe disembarkation of passengers at the Canary Islands. WHO Technical Officer Anais Legand said health teams are reviewing passengers’ exposure history and monitoring symptoms such as fever and fatigue.
Epidemiologists are also tracing interactions among passengers and crew members to better understand how the virus spread on the ship.