FLASH NEWS
Global alert for Hantavirus/ Fears of a new pandemic and dangerous areas of spread
2026-05-06 16:59:26 / BOTA
A recent outbreak of Hantavirus cases on a cruise ship could be just the beginning of a larger global risk, scientists warn.
Climate change is expected to significantly increase the transmission of viruses from rodents to humans, according to a new study published in Nature. The researchers point out that rising temperatures and changes in natural habitats will favor the spread of dangerous viruses, including Arenaviruses, to areas where they have not previously appeared.
Experts warn that these developments could lead to epidemics that endanger millions of people, especially in South America. In parallel with this warning, an alarming situation has been recorded on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which is located off the coast of Cape Verde.
More than 20 British tourists are reportedly stranded on board, while three people - a Dutch couple and a German national - have died as a result of the infection. The ship had previously stopped in Argentina, an area where these viruses claim dozens of lives every year.
Arenaviruses, a group of viruses transmitted by rodents, include diseases such as Guanarito, Machupo, and Junin viruses, which cause hemorrhagic fevers with mortality rates ranging from 5% to 30%. These infections are widespread but still poorly understood.
Scientists point out that their spread is directly related to changes in climate and the rodents' habitats. Rising temperatures and changes in precipitation are affecting the movement of these animals, increasing contact with humans.
In their study, experts used advanced artificial intelligence models to predict how these viruses could spread in the coming decades. The results show that within 20 to 40 years, the risk of infection will change significantly, depending on climate change scenarios.
According to researchers, some viruses are expected to significantly expand their distribution area. Guanarito virus could spread from Venezuela to Colombia and Brazil, while Machupo is expected to spread to the mountainous regions of the Andes. Meanwhile, Junin virus could expand beyond its current areas in Argentina.
Experts warn that populations that have not been previously exposed to these viruses will be more at risk, as they lack natural immunity.
Meanwhile, the situation on the MV Hondius remains critical. Around 150 people are still on board, and the World Health Organization has confirmed several cases of hantavirus infection.
Authorities suspect the virus may have been transmitted by rodents on the ship or during a stopover in South America. Public health experts are not ruling out any scenario, stressing that the situation requires continued monitoring.
Scientists conclude that the combination of climate change, urbanization, and the expansion of human activities into natural habitats is creating the conditions for new epidemic outbreaks, turning this risk into a global challenge for decades to come.
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