WHO clarifies hantavirus cruise outbreak isn’t the start of a pandemic

The World Health Organization says the hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius is not the start of a pandemic and is different from Covid-19, as transmission between people has been documented for the first time in this incident. Five of eight suspected cases have been confirmed with three deaths so far, and authorities are tracing dozens of passengers who disembarked. Officials advise wearing masks on board and heightened PPE for those in contact with suspected cases, while the overall public health risk is considered low; given the virus’s incubation can be up to six weeks, more cases may yet emerge as investigations continue.