Hantavirus most infectious as soon as symptoms appear: WHO
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- “The first few moments of illness are when the infectiousness is highest,” Dr Olivier le Polain, who heads WHO’s epidemiology and analytics for response division, told a social media event.
- That corresponds to the maximum incubation period for the Andes virus – the only hantavirus strain known to spread between humans – at the heart of the outbreak, which is around 42 days.
- On average, though, those infected with the virus begin developing symptoms after about three weeks, Dr Polain said.
- He stressed that it was important not to wait for symptoms to appear before isolating potential contacts.
- Hantavirus most infectious as soon as symptoms begin, WHO says | Daily Sabah
- Hantavirus most infectious as soon as symptoms begin, WHO says | Daily Sabah Hantavirus most infectious as soon as symptoms begin, WHO says | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that hantavirus is most infectious at the onset of symptoms, a critical finding amid an outbreak linked to the Dutch-flagged vessel Hondius. This outbreak has resulted in three confirmed deaths and has raised alarms about the virus's potential spread as nearly 150 passengers prepare to return to their home countries. Dr.
Olivier le Polain, who leads the WHO’s epidemiology and analytics for response division, stated that the initial moments of illness are when the virus is most contagious, underscoring the importance of immediate quarantine measures.
The WHO has recommended a six-week quarantine for all individuals who were on board the ship, which aligns with the maximum incubation period for the Andes virus, the only hantavirus strain known to transmit between humans.
On average, symptoms appear approximately three weeks after infection, prompting health officials to stress the need for proactive isolation rather than waiting for symptoms to manifest. This outbreak highlights the ongoing public health challenges posed by rare viruses and the necessity for swift action to prevent further transmission.
- In the coming weeks, health authorities in affected regions, particularly in South America, are expected to ramp up public health campaigns to educate communities about the importance of early isolation and symptom recognition to curb the spread of hantavirus.
- The WHO plans to release updated guidelines within the next 14 days, emphasizing the need for immediate isolation of individuals showing initial symptoms, which could significantly alter current containment strategies.
- Researchers from the WHO and local health organizations will likely initiate collaborative studies over the next month to better understand the transmission dynamics of the Andes virus, focusing on the critical early stages of infection.
- Expect announcements from governments in the Asia Pacific region regarding enhanced surveillance measures and potential travel advisories as they respond to the WHO's findings on hantavirus infectiousness.
- In the next few weeks, healthcare facilities may implement new protocols for monitoring and managing patients with flu-like symptoms to ensure timely identification and isolation of potential hantavirus cases.
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