New Delhi: The World Health (WHO) has reported eight Hantavirus cases as of Friday, May 8 — including three deaths — for a 38% case fatality ratio. Six were lab-confirmed as Andes virus (ANDV) infections, according to the latest statement issued by WHO, ANI reported.
A group of passengers suffering acute respiratory symptoms on a cruise ship alerted WHO on May 2. The vessel had 147 passengers and crew aboard, with 34 already offloaded, according to the operator. Post the May 4 Disease Outbreak News, three suspected cases tested positive, alongside one fresh confirmation.
Global Alerts & Contact Tracing Underway
National IHR Focal Points shared updates through International Health Regulations (2005) mechanisms, aiding worldwide contact tracing efforts, the WHO statement noted.
According to WHO, this outbreak poses a low risk to the worldwide population, but a moderate threat remains for passengers and crew aboard the cruise ship. The organization will keep tracking the epidemiological situation closely and revise its risk assessment as needed.
India On Guard
The Union Health Ministry is on alert, liaising with WHO and global allies while rolling out preemptive health safeguards for citizens.
Dr Neeraj Nischal, a professor of medicine at AIIMS, emphasized low risk of Hantavirus transmission in India to date, with zero reported cases. He ruled out a COVID-like outbreak, pointing to infrequent human-to-human contagion.
“Chances of the virus spreading in India are low; no cases have been reported yet. Awareness and sanitation can be maintained to stay safe. The common route of transmission is the excretion of infected rodents; human-to-human transmission is very rare. There is no vaccine available for the virus; symptomatic treatment is the only solution.A COVID-like pandemic is unlikely due to the different mode of transmission. Symptoms of this virus are similar to those of any other viral disease – fever, body ache, headache, etc. However, those at risk, especially those travelling from affected regions, should seek immediate medical attention,” he said.
He noted that the fatality rate of Hantavirus is 40 to 50 per cent.
Post-COVID Readiness Praised
India’s public health infrastructure stands stronger post-COVID, experts affirm.
Dr NK Ganguly, chairperson of biotechnology and research at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, called for masks and PPE to contain spread.
“Absolutely, after Covid, we are absolutely, all of us, everything is there. Only thing I will say here that there was a misconception that the Hantavirus is only from the person to person contact and through fomites. But with the current knowledge, it shows that this is a respiratory infection also, aerosol infection happens. So for this N-90 mask, etc., all those PPEs, etc., they will have to be worn,” Dr Ganguly said.
