90-Second Read: Opinion | We’re focusing on the wrong aspects of the Hantavirus outbreak

We are witnessing an outbreak of a virus that is new to most individuals, a species of Hantavirus called the Andes virus. Most Hantavirus outbreaks are associated with outdoor adventuring, such as unknowingly camping with rodents, or merely cleaning a house where rodents have left droppings. In the 2012 outbreak of Hantavirus at Yosemite National Park, tent cabins were cleared by inspectors who saw no evidence of rodents. Less so Hantavirus, especially a species that seems to be transmitted person to person. So let's start with what we know about the outbreak: On April 1, the ship MV Hondius departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, and began moving through the south Atlantic.

As of May 8, there are nine cases of infection associated with the ship. Because the incubation period of the virus can be as long as six weeks, more cases may surface; several countries, including the United States, are working on tracing the individuals who left the ship, as well as their contacts. The three deaths and the illnesses experienced by six others show how serious Andes virus infections can be; the fatality rate for Hantaviruses is generally around 30%. On April 6, one passenger began to feel ill, reporting a fever, diarrhea and a headache. Lab testing of samples from two patients confirmed that the infection is due to the Andes virus, and one viral genome has already been sequenced.

For now, the Andes virus outbreak is frightening, but the risk to the global population is low. Many of us expect the risk of viruses such as norovirus, Covid-19 and influenza on these types of voyages. This has understandably put people on edge, with the specter of January 2020 lingering prominently in our collective memory. Ultimately, at least for now, the Andes virus outbreak is frightening, but the risk to the global population is low. He was tested in Switzerland after he developed symptoms.

The most recent case identified is that of a Swiss man who disembarked with approximately 30 others while the ship was stopped in Saint Helena island on April 24. The most consequential aspect here, though, is not really an element of the outbreak itself. A flight attendant who came into contact with the first woman who died developed an illness but tested negative for the Andes virus. A Spanish woman who came into contact with the case has been hospitalized and is awaiting test results. Other weaknesses in our federal agencies include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention having no permanent director, and the interim head, Jay Bhattacharya, being busy running the National Institutes of Health.