Many people are instantly reminded of the Covid epidemic that occurred when the Ruby Princess docked in Sydney in March 2020 when they learn of a virus outbreak on a cruise liner.
575 of the staff and passengers who disembarked had Covid. The community was then affected by the virus.
Therefore, it makes sense that individuals are worried that passengers on the MV Hondius should be placed under quarantine following possible exposure to the Andes virus, a hantavirus spread by rodents.
But the analogy with Covid is limited.
Authorities are right to react cautiously since the Andes virus represents a severe threat. However, experts—including those from the World Health Organization—point out that it lacks the qualities necessary to become "the next Covid."
Nine cases—seven confirmed and two probable—have been connected to the cruise liner, according to European health officials as of May 11. There have been three recorded deaths.
For observation and quarantine, five Australians and one New Zealander are being returned to Australia. In Western Australia, the passengers will first be placed under quarantine at the Centre for National Resilience, which is close to RAAF Base Pearce.
Here's everything you should know about the Andes virus, including how it differs from the virus that caused COVID-19 and the danger of transmission.
How do hantaviruses proliferate?
A class of viruses known as hantaviruses is typically carried by mice, rats, and other rodents. Inhaling microscopic particles of contaminated rat urine, droppings, or saliva is the most common way for humans to become sick.
The majority of hantaviruses are not known to transmit between individuals. The exception is the Andes virus. It is the only hantavirus that has been shown to spread from person to person beyond the first spillage from sick rodents.
However, this does not imply that it spreads readily among individuals.
Although further human-to-human transmission is rare, it can happen in close-quarters situations like homes, between caregivers, during personal contact, or during extended exposure in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
The virus that causes Covid, SARS-CoV-2, is substantially distinct from that. The airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is highly effective. Before they even realized they were ill, people may spread the illness to others.
According to preliminary estimates, each SARS-CoV-2 infection spread the virus to an average of two or more people in communities that had never been exposed to it.
A perfect storm of circumstances is needed for the Andes virus to spread from person to person: sick individuals in crowded, poorly ventilated areas with prolonged close contact. On the MV Hondius, this was the situation.
The Andes virus has only caused limited outbreaks, but SARS-CoV-2 created a pandemic because to this differential in transmission capacity.
What signs of the Andes virus are present?
Fever, headaches, aches in the muscles, nausea, and exhaustion are just a few of the early signs of an Andes virus infection.
Some individuals may get hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a potentially fatal illness that makes breathing difficult.
For 42 days following their most recent possible exposure, the WHO advises those exposed to the Andes virus to keep an eye out for symptoms.
This is the maximum amount of time that can pass between an infection and the start of symptoms. It does not imply that a person is contagious for 42 days.
The returning travelers will first be placed under quarantine for three weeks, according to Australian authorities, with more surveillance plans to follow.
The testing will be conducted by Melbourne's Doherty Institute using blood-based antibody testing, or serology, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which finds the genetic material of the virus.
Early after exposure, a negative test is helpful but not usually conclusive. There might not be enough viral genetic material or antibody response to detect if the virus is still incubation.
How does the virus spread?
In contrast to SARS-CoV-2, the Andes virus has a longer incubation time.
Because the virus multiplies quickly in the respiratory system, Covid symptoms usually manifest within a few days.
The Andes virus develops in a distinct way. Inflammatory reactions and blood vessel malfunction are associated with severe illness.
The immune system's delayed reaction, rather than the virus directly damaging lung tissue, is what causes the breathing issues linked to the consequence hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Breathing becomes challenging as a result of fluid leaking into the lungs.
How lethal is it?
The mortality rates of different hantavirus species differ considerably.
Less than 1–15% of cases of European and Asian hantaviruses result in death, but American strains, such as Andes virus, can cause up to 50% of cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
For comparison, 229 hantavirus infections and 59 fatalities were reported in eight American nations in 2025. Even though these infections are serious, they are nonetheless uncommon.
The mere fact that a virus is lethal does not make it a pandemic.
Is it possible to treat the Andes virus?
The Andes virus does not have a specific antiviral medication. Close observation, respiratory assistance, and the management of heart and kidney issues are the main goals of medical therapy for infected individuals.
The Andes virus cannot be prevented with an approved vaccine.
The speed at which the scientific community has responded to this outbreak, however, is also encouraging. The entire genetic code of the virus from a single patient was swiftly sequenced by Swiss labs and made public in a matter of days.
This provided a benchmark against which other cases might be compared by researchers worldwide. In addition to assisting public health professionals in determining which cases are connected to the outbreak and who need monitoring or isolation, this can facilitate quicker confirmation of suspected cases.
The bottom line
It makes sense to assume that every viral outbreak will result in another Covid, however this assumption is false in this instance.
Although the Andes virus poses a threat to those who contract it, it is not a strong contender for pandemic transmission. It usually spreads through intimate contact, incubates slowly, and seems to be most effective when people are experiencing symptoms.
While controlling the Andes virus is crucial, it is not as dangerous as the Covid pandemic.
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