Cyprus is prepared for every possible hantavirus scenario, according to the Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health, as three passengers from a cruise ship infected with the virus have tragically died.
Elisavet Konstantinou announced that over the weekend, officials from the ministry’s epidemiological surveillance unit have been actively monitoring and preparing protocols in collaboration with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). This preparation included drawing up a contingency strategy specifically tailored to the situation.
Understanding Hantavirus Transmission
The Andean hantavirus, which has caused concern due to its high mortality rate, primarily spreads from animals to humans. Konstantinou explained that human-to-human transmission is exceedingly rare, which adds a layer of reassurance to the public.
Protocol Implementation and Risk Assessment
According to the ECDC guidelines, a 42-day isolation period is mandated for anyone who has been in contact with infected individuals. Konstantinou noted that cases are categorised by risk levels, allowing for a more tailored response based on the exposure risk.
Despite the deaths aboard the cruise ship, Cyprus’s current risk level remains classified as “very low,” with no recorded hantavirus cases on the island itself. Konstantinou highlighted that while there have been no recent cases, the lack of comprehensive surveillance in previous decades leaves some uncertainty.
Additional Health Risks from Rodents
In her address, Konstantinou also cautioned about other health risks associated with rodents, including rickettsia and other diseases that can arise from contact with rodent droppings or urine. With summer approaching, she urged farmers and citizens to thoroughly clean holiday homes and storage areas to mitigate these risks.
As the situation unfolds, health authorities in Cyprus are focused on ensuring public safety and are monitoring developments closely, hoping for a swift resolution to the cluster of cases linked to the cruise ship.
