The outbreak of hantavirus on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius has raised international concern, as the incident is linked to the Andean virus, the only type of hantavirus with documented human-to-human transmission. However, experts and international health organizations emphasize that the risk to the public remains low and that there is no risk of a new pandemic. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organization have stated that the situation is being monitored, but there is no reason for panic.
Speaking to Greek media, epidemiologist Gikas Mayorkinis from the National University of Athens said that the transmission of this virus from one person to another is "extremely limited" and requires very close and prolonged contact.
“We are not at risk of a hantavirus pandemic,” he said, adding that there is no high risk of spread outside the cruise ship. According to experts, hantaviruses have existed for thousands of years and are mainly transmitted by rodents. So-called “New World viruses” circulate in South America, including the Andean virus, which is associated with more severe respiratory forms and higher mortality rates. In Europe, hantavirus forms are considered milder and are not transmitted from person to person. Mayorkinis stressed that the mortality rate for the Latin American strains could range from 10 to 30%, although the figures may be overestimated due to undiagnosed cases with mild symptoms.
According to the World Health Organization, between 10 and 100 cases of hantavirus are recorded worldwide each year, with varying severity depending on the type of virus.
Experts explain that there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for hantavirus and that the treatment of patients remains mainly supportive. Symptoms usually appear from one to eight weeks after exposure and include fever, fatigue, respiratory problems and, in some cases, kidney damage. Health authorities recommend avoiding contact with rodents, using gloves and masks when cleaning indoor environments and maintaining hygiene, especially in rural areas or places where there may be traces of rodents.
