Fears of another global pandemic erupted this month after the MV Hondius cruise ship became the centre of a deadly hantavirus outbreak.
The latest World Health Organization (WHO) Disease Outbreak News report states that as of 13 May, a total of 11 cases, including three deaths, have been reported.
More cases are expected to arise given the dynamics of spread on a ship and the virus’ incubation period. However, the WHO confirms that there are no signs of a “larger outbreak” at the current time.
What is hantavirus and how does it spread?
Headlines of self-isolating passengers and images of ambulance workers dressed in PPE have triggered comparisons to the COVID pandemic. It’s a worry the WHO has repeatedly shut down, citing the varying nature of how the two diseases are transmitted.
