Hantavirus Possibly Transmitted Human to Human on Stranded Cruise Ship
CBS News reports that the World Health Organization (WHO) says possible human-to-human transmission of hantavirus has occurred on a stranded cruise ship.
Rare Transmission Event
Hantavirus is typically transmitted to humans through rodent excreta, and human-to-human transmission is extremely rare. If confirmed, this would represent a significant case of interpersonal hantavirus spread with major implications for global public health policy.
WHO Response
The WHO is closely monitoring the situation and cooperating with relevant authorities on an investigation. Passengers and crew on the ship are under medical monitoring, and isolation measures have been implemented to prevent further spread.
Hantavirus infection can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which has a high mortality rate. The virus has previously been found sporadically in parts of the Americas, and this incident has raised concerns about its expanding transmission range.