When Rare Zoonoses Travel: Andes virus, Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome, and the Preparedness Gap - PubMed
2 days ago
- #zoonotic outbreak
- #maritime health
- #One Health
- The article discusses a suspected Andes virus (ANDV) outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius, highlighting a preparedness gap for rare zoonotic infections in mobile, closed settings.
- ANDV is noted for its potential for limited person-to-person transmission and causes severe hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) with high mortality.
- Challenges include diagnostic difficulties, lack of specific antiviral therapy, and the role of ecological exposure in Patagonia via rodent reservoirs.
- Risk factors for severe disease include European ethnicity and genetic variations in αVβ3 integrin, with biomarkers like IL-6 and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein proposed for severity assessment.
- The article advocates for better integration of expedition travel protocols, maritime medicine, and One Health surveillance to prevent international public health events.