Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship, no threat to summer travel

International health authorities, including the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control ECDC, are investigating the origin, which is often linked to rodent exposure in maritime environments. While rare, the possibility of human-to-human transmission is being examined, particularly concerning the suspected strain. Despite this cluster, Dr. Tayeb Hamdi, a physician and health policy researcher, states there is no threat to summer travel, emphasizing that human-to-human transmission of hantavirus is extremely rare and primarily observed with the Andes strain in South America.

He notes that the virus is unlikely to become pandemic. Morocco has reported no official cases and maintains a national epidemiological surveillance system capable of diagnosing imported cases. Hantavirus is transmitted by rodents, mainly through inhaling contaminated particles from urine, saliva, or droppings, direct contact with wounds, or rarely, bites.

Initial symptoms include fever, muscle pain, fatigue, and headaches. Severe forms can lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome HPS or Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome HFRS, with a fatality rate up to 50% in severe cases. There is no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment; care focuses on supportive measures.

Prevention involves avoiding dry sweeping in at-risk areas, using wet clean