WHO: Hantavirus highly infectious at symptom onset

May 11, 2026 / 9:02 PM

Sharjah 24 – AFP: The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that hantavirus is most infectious at the very start of symptoms, underscoring the need to quarantine contacts following an outbreak on the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius, which has already caused three deaths and triggered international concern.

Cruise ship outbreak prompts global quarantine measures

The outbreak of the rare virus has led to evacuation and repatriation efforts for nearly 150 people onboard, with WHO recommending a 42-day quarantine period for all contacts, matching the maximum incubation period of the Andes strain, the only hantavirus known to spread between humans.

Early symptoms difficult to detect

WHO officials explained that individuals are most infectious when symptoms first appear, often starting with mild signs such as fatigue or low fever before potentially worsening. Experts stressed that isolation should begin immediately at the first sign of illness, rather than waiting for confirmation.

Countries adopt varying quarantine rules

While many countries have followed WHO guidance with 42-day quarantines, others have implemented different measures ranging from 2 to 45 days. The WHO warned that early release without proper monitoring could pose risks, particularly given the confined environment of the ship that likely facilitated transmission.