At present, the threat of Hantavirus is looming large in many countries of the world. This virus is being continuously monitored. After Covid and monkeypox, now there is a possibility of spread of this virus. Although the World Health Organization has said that the transmission of Hantavirus will not be like Covid, but there is still a need to be cautious. Meanwhile, the question also arises that why there has been an outbreak of viruses like Hanta and Noro on the ship. Let us know about this from experts.
Epidemiologist Dr. Jugal Kishore says that the environment of a cruise ship is considered very favorable for the spread of the virus. Closed spaces, presence of thousands of people and constant close contact give the infection a chance to spread rapidly. There is also a risk of infected rats coming to this place. In such a situation, the virus is transmitted to humans.
What are Hantavirus and Norovirus?
Recently, there were outbreaks of Hantavirus and Norovirus on two different cruises. There were cases of both these viruses in humans. Talking about Hantavirus, this virus spreads through contact with feces, urine or saliva of infected rats. Generally its transmission does not happen from one person to another, but there is a possibility of transmission of a strain of this virus named Andes from one person to another.
Talking about norovirus, this virus is spread through contaminated food and water. Its transmission occurs in humans. After this, problems like vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain occur.
Why do virus outbreaks occur on cruises?
Epidemiologist Dr. Jugal Kishore says that thousands of passengers and staff live in a limited space in the cruise. Share many things. There is also a risk of infected rats coming on a cruise. There are shared dining areas and common toilets. Constant contact at these places increases the risk of infection. People from all over the world travel on cruises. Many times a person is infected but does not show symptoms. In such a situation, it is not detected and the infection continues to spread. The virus is detected when a person falls ill and is screened.
How much danger is there from these viruses?
Dr. Kishore says that both Noro and Hanta viruses are dangerous, but there is less possibility that their cases will increase rapidly, but still there is a need to be cautious.
