Additional Coverage:
- Hantavirus exposure warning issued by expert as travelers given strict instruction to avoid infection (themirror.com)
As concerns grow over hantavirus infections linked to a recent luxury cruise, infectious disease specialists are advising the public on how to stay safe from this serious rodent-borne illness.
Dr. Renuga Vivekanandan, an expert in internal medicine and infectious diseases, shared guidance on prevention measures in an interview. “Wherever you travel, it’s crucial to avoid contact with rodents,” she emphasized.
Vivekanandan, who is also a professor at Creighton University School of Medicine and serves as VP and CMO of CHI Health Physician Enterprise Midwest, warned against common mistakes when encountering rodent droppings. Instead of vacuuming or sweeping, she recommends soaking the area with disinfectant before carefully disposing of the droppings to prevent airborne particles.
The recent outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship has been linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus, notable for being the only variant known to transmit between humans. So far, there have been seven confirmed cases and three fatalities connected to the cruise.
Despite the severity of the situation, Vivekanandan does not discourage travel to South America. “Hantavirus exists worldwide in about 50 different strains,” she said. “The key is being vigilant about avoiding exposure to rodents and their droppings.”
Eighteen American passengers from the cruise are under close medical supervision at top U.S. health centers. Two individuals were admitted to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, with one receiving care in a biocontainment unit for mild symptoms. Their close contacts are also being monitored closely.
Most of the American passengers-ranging from their late 20s to early 80s-are being observed at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s specialized treatment facility. One patient tested positive but remains asymptomatic.
Health authorities stress that exhibiting symptoms does not necessarily confirm hantavirus infection. The monitored passengers will remain under observation for 42 days, as advised by Dr.
Brendan Jackson, acting director of the CDC’s high-consequence pathogens division. Some may return home if they can safely self-isolate.
Officials reassure the public that the overall risk of hantavirus transmission remains very low. The Andes strain requires close, prolonged contact with symptomatic individuals to spread, limiting its potential for rapid community transmission.
Addressing fears about viral mutations, Dr. Vivekanandan explained that hantavirus is a relatively stable RNA virus with a low likelihood of rapid genetic changes, unlike influenza which frequently mutates.
She expressed confidence in the coordinated efforts of the CDC, WHO, and other health organizations in managing the outbreak through effective monitoring, contact tracing, and containment strategies.
“The global health community is doing an excellent job tracking cases and protecting public health,” she concluded.