Update on hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship. Risk to European residents assessed as very low

We already reported on this issue yesterday in the article: Stewardess hospitalized after contact with hantavirus. Should Europeans be concerned?

According to the ECDC, the virus has been identified as Andes hantavirus — a variant mainly found in North and South America.

According to the latest ECDC data, as of May 7, seven people have developed symptoms of the disease. Three people have died.

Some patients experienced rapid deterioration of health, including pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, and shock.

The ECDC emphasizes that the current risk to the general population of the EU/EEA is assessed as very low.

Andes hantavirus can, in rare cases, be transmitted between humans, but—as indicated by the ECDC and RIVM—this usually requires very close and prolonged contact.

The main route of hantavirus infection remains contact with the excreta of infected rodents, for example, by inhaling contaminated dust.

Therefore, preventive recommendations mainly concern avoiding contact with rodent droppings, urine, and saliva, as well as exercising caution when cleaning areas where mice or rats may have been present.

On May 8, the RIVM reported that three symptomatic individuals tested for Andes virus received negative results.

This means that, at this time, infection with this virus has not been confirmed in these individuals.

The Norwegian FHI reminds that hantaviruses found in Europe, including variants present in Scandinavia, are primarily associated with rodents.

FHI also notes that European hantaviruses are not transmitted from person to person.

At this time, health authorities are conducting epidemiological investigations and preventive measures.

MojaNorwegia presents information available from official sources. The topic will be updated if WHO, ECDC, RIVM, or FHI publish new statements.

Sources: WHO, ECDC, RIVM, FHI.