90-Second Read: No, Hantavirus Is Not COVID-26 And Other Misinformation Being Spread

The Andes virus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship has led to lots of misinformation and disinformation about the Hantavirus. By now you've probably heard about the Hantavirus outbreak, you know the spread of the Andes type of Hantavirus on the MV Hondius cruise ship that's resulted in nine humans infected with three deaths so far. Since 2020, seemingly each time another infectious outbreak occurs, whether it's COVID-19, mPox, measles or now Hantavirus, unsupported claims that ivermectin is the answer have quickly emerged as well. Speaking of the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of social media posts have been trying to somehow equate Hantaviruses to COVID-19.

Those substances along with rodent saliva contaminated with Hantaviruses have historically been the main sources of Hantavirus cases. Then there are the claims that the Hantavirus outbreak was somehow caused by the COVID-19 vaccines. There isn't much to say about this latest addition since there's been no real evidence to support any link between the Hantavirus outbreak and COVID-19 vaccines. The reason why Hantaviruses don't have nearly as high pandemic potential as coronaviruses is another set of p-words.

You've probably heard at least some of the, surprise, surprise, misinformation and disinformation that's being spread as well. Yes, as the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated, there's no shortage of people willing to twist public health info into salty pretzels for political and financial gain. In fact, of the over 50 different types of Hantaviruses in existence, only one type, the Andes virus, to date has shown the ability to go from one human to another. With the MV Hondius passengers being quarantined for 42 days, since it can take up to seven to eight weeks for symptoms to emerge after exposure to the virus, the risk that the Andes virus will spread much further is quite low.

Unfortunately, those with any type of Hantavirus infection must rely on supportive treatment only since there are no specific treatments available. It's also important to diagnose misinformation and disinformation about the Hantavirus outbreak as soon as possible. The same applies to claims on social media that ivermectin can somehow help treat Hantavirus infections.