A new virus has begun circulating in the United States. After an expedition to explore Antarctica, the first deadly outbreak of hantavirus at sea has killed three people. Hantavirus is naturally found in rodents, primarily through inhaling their feces. One of its prominent factors is its high fatality rate. Hantavirus strains are typically common in Asia and Europe and attack the kidneys. However, they are less deadly than the new outbreak. Likewise, the disease can become so deadly that it has left people on life support. The 18 passengers who were on the cruise ship have landed in the U.S. and are being closely monitored at health facilities. Yet the question many people are pondering is, “Will this lead to another lockdown?” Nonetheless, any news on a new virus outbreak triggers alarming speculation. Even though it is a very serious illness, the chance of it spreading to the public is low. COVID-19, unlike Hantavirus, was highly contagious, allowing people to contract it from one another, leading to a worldwide pandemic. Hantavirus is different from COVID-19, which is why the probability of a lockdown is low. Hantavirus has been around for a while now. It was first identified in Argentina in 1995. The only way it can be transmitted is through human contact with rodent feces. It requires a long period of time for another person or their bodily fluids to contract it, rather than a casual interaction. Due to the health authorities’ ability to contain and quarantine those infected, the probability of it spreading is lower than most are portraying on social media. Although they are seeing the case count go up, the virus is not spreading beyond those who were on the ship. Health authorities are seeking vaccines and treatments for the virus in case of future cases, but as of now there is no cure. You can reduce your chances of getting Hantavirus by reducing any risk of exposure to feces or droppings. At this point, people do not need to become alarmed, and question if this could mean another worldwide pandemic.
