Hantavirus under control, authorities on high alert over human-to-human transmission risk

Health authorities are grappling with a complex logistical and public health challenge following the emergence of a rare strain of hantavirus linked to a cruise ship carrying passengers from multiple countries, according to pharmacist and health commentator Thorrun Govind.

Speaking to AnewZ on the Daybreak programme, Govind said the situation was complicated by the number of nationalities involved and the need to return passengers safely to their home countries while preventing further spread.

“The risk to the wider public is low,” Govind said, “but we are dealing with a strain of hantavirus where human-to-human transmission is known to occur. That presents a challenge, especially when people have been in close contact in an enclosed environment.”

The virus involved, the Andes strain, is rare but serious, and close contact remains the primary concern for health authorities.

WHO quarantine guidance adds pressure

The World Health Organization has recommended, though not mandated, a 42-day quarantine period, reflecting an incubation window of up to six weeks.

Govind said this guidance places considerable strain on governments, which are responding in different ways.

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“In some countries, people may be isolated in government‑run facilities, while in others, they may be asked to isolate at home. That variation makes coordination more difficult.”

In the U.K., returning passengers are expected to be monitored at Arrowe Park Hospital, a site familiar from the Covid-19 pandemic. Govind stressed, however, that the two situations are not comparable.

Containment and cleaning measures underway

Authorities are also carrying out extensive disinfecting and deep-cleaning of the ship involved as part of containment efforts.

Investigators are examining links to Argentina, where the virus was first identified, while public health agencies focus on improving awareness of how hantavirus spreads, primarily through aerosolised particles from rodent urine or faeces.

Govind said early symptoms may include fever, fatigue and muscle aches, but warned these can progress rapidly.

“It can develop into serious lung complications and respiratory failure, and that can happen quite quickly,” she said, noting that the Andes strain in particular carries a high mortality rate.

She said close monitoring of infected individuals and their contacts is essential.

No need to avoid travel, but precautions matter

Despite the seriousness of the outbreak, Govind told AnewZ it should not discourage people from travelling.

“I wouldn’t stop going on a cruise because of this,” she said. “Everyday environments are very different from enclosed settings like ships or aeroplanes.”

She urged travellers to be mindful of their own health, to consider others if unwell, and to ensure they have appropriate travel insurance and vaccinations.

Govind said that while global health threats are constantly evolving, this situation differs from past emergencies.

“What we’re fortunate with is that this isn’t unknown. We’ve dealt with hantavirus before,” she said. “The focus now is on careful monitoring and managing the situation effectively, rather than reacting in panic.”

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Hantavirus Virus Outbreak UK WHO