Hantavirus! How many types exist, how is it transmitted and why we shouldn't worry
2026-05-09 09:33:57
TiranaPost
The recent outbreak of hantavirus on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius has raised concerns in some countries, as it involves the Andean virus, the only variant of hantavirus for which human-to-human transmission has been documented, albeit very rarely. However, international experts emphasize that there is currently no cause for alarm.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organization, the risk to public health remains low and the situation is being closely monitored.
Experts say the reported cases do not signal a new pandemic. Greek epidemiologist Gikas Mayorkinis, a lecturer at the National University of Athens, told Greek media that person-to-person transmission of the virus is "extremely rare" and occurs only in conditions of very close and prolonged contact.
According to him, hantaviruses have existed for thousands of years and are usually spread by rodents. In South America, so-called "New World viruses" circulate, which includes the Andean virus, known for its more severe respiratory forms.
Experts point out that the variants found in Europe have milder symptoms and are not transmitted from person to person. While in Latin America the mortality rate can reach 10 to 30%, specialists believe that these figures may be inflated, as many mild cases are not diagnosed at all.
According to WHO data, between 10,000 and 100,000 cases of hantavirus are recorded worldwide each year, with consequences that vary depending on the variant of the virus. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment, and medical care focuses on symptom management.
In terms of symptoms, in America the infection can cause severe cardiopulmonary syndrome, while in Europe it usually starts with fever, fatigue and then affects kidney function. Signs can appear from one to eight weeks after exposure to the virus.
Transmission is primarily associated with contact with urine, feces, or other biological fluids of infected rodents. For this reason, experts recommend basic hygiene measures, especially in rural or enclosed environments, as well as the use of gloves and a mask when cleaning areas where rodents may be present.
