While this virus is known as a rodent-borne infectious disease, this particular cruise ship incident is understood to be caused by a specific type called Andes virus. Therefore, many people are likely wondering, ‘how dangerous is it really?’ It’s important to know accurate information rather than simply succumbing to fear. From now on, we will examine the reality of this Hantavirus cruise ship incident and the key things we need to know.

The Identity of the Hantavirus That Struck the Atlantic Cruise

The Hantavirus that recently struck the cruise ship is, to be precise, a type of New World Hantavirus called ‘Andes virus.’ This virus is known to be transmitted to humans primarily through exposure to environments contaminated with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents. The possibility has been raised that some cruise passengers may have come into contact with rodents in the Ushuaia region of Argentina before boarding the ship.

• Main Source of Infection: Infection occurs by inhaling aerosols containing dried rodent excrement or saliva that become airborne.
• Symptoms: Initially, symptoms resemble the flu, including fever, muscle aches, and headaches. This can then rapidly progress to ‘Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome’ (HCPS), leading to severe respiratory distress, pulmonary edema, and impaired heart function, with a fatality rate of 20-35%.
• Human-to-Human Transmission: Although rare, human-to-human transmission of Andes virus through close contact with an infected person has been reported. The possibility of human-to-human transmission on this cruise ship is also under investigation.

WHO’s Firm Stance: ‘It’s Different from COVID-19’

As soon as the Hantavirus incident emerged, the World Health Organization (WHO) immediately emphasized that it was unlikely to lead to a pandemic like COVID-19. WHO infectious disease experts explained that Hantavirus does not easily transmit from person to person, and its mode of transmission is distinctly different from COVID-19. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) also assessed that the risk of domestic introduction is low because the rodents that transmit Andes virus cardiopulmonary syndrome do not inhabit Korea.

• Low Transmissibility: Hantavirus is not easily spread widely through respiratory droplets like COVID-19. The primary routes of infection are direct contact with infected rodents or exposure to contaminated environments.
• Limited Human-to-Human Transmission: While human-to-human transmission of Andes virus is possible, it is very rare and requires close and prolonged contact. Even in cases occurring in confined spaces like a cruise ship, the possibility of widespread community transmission is low.
• Public Health Risk ‘Low’: The WHO assessed the risk related to this cruise ship incident as ‘moderate’ but has consistently maintained a ‘low’ global public health risk.

No Vaccine or Treatment, So How Do We Prepare?

Unfortunately, there is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Hantavirus, especially Andes virus. If infected, the response primarily involves supportive care to alleviate symptoms and manage complications. Therefore, it is a well-known fact that prevention is paramount.

• Avoid Contact with Rodents: The most important preventive measure is to avoid contact with rodents. Especially when traveling to Hantavirus risk areas such as South America, be careful of rodent droppings or carcasses during outdoor activities.
• Thorough Personal Hygiene: It is important to strictly adhere to basic personal hygiene rules, such as handwashing. Even more care should be taken if exposed to potentially contaminated environments.
• Early Diagnosis and Treatment: If suspicious symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress appear after visiting a risk area, you should immediately visit a medical institution for diagnosis and treatment. Starting appropriate supportive care early significantly affects the prognosis.

The Hantavirus cruise ship incident briefly put the world on edge, but fortunately, health authorities are cautioning against excessive fear. The key is to respond calmly based on accurate information. If you adhere to basic preventive measures such as personal hygiene and avoiding rodent contact when traveling abroad, there should be no major cause for concern. Ultimately, the wisest action we can take is prevention.

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