WHO Clarifies Hantavirus Not Linked to COVID-19

The World Health Organization (WHO) addressed concerns regarding Hantavirus, clarifying that it is not linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. During a press briefing on Thursday, epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove explained that Hantavirus spreads mainly through close intimate contact and is not easily transmitted through the air like COVID-19 or influenza.

She emphasized that the public health risk from Hantavirus is low. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus reported five identified cases, with three remaining suspect.

Previous outbreaks have shown that human-to-human transmission of Hantavirus occurs only with prolonged contact, typically among household members or intimate partners. The virus is primarily carried by rodents and can infect humans through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.

The current situation indicates that Hantavirus is primarily found in Latin America, where it has been known to limit human transmission.