People are clamoring about the hantavirus outbreak. Should Filipinos worry about this?
HANTAVIRUS OUTBREAK – Here are some things to be aware of about this after several cases have been confirmed on a cruise ship.
Hantaviruses are carried primarily by rodents, and humans get the infection through breathing in virus particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been tracing people who may have been exposed to hantavirus after a passenger from the cruise ship MV Hondius was confirmed to be infected.
Health officials are monitoring close contacts, including individuals from a flight taken after the cruise. Several cases and deaths were reported on board, raising fear over a possible human-to-human transmission despite this being rare.
Although hantavirus cases were already consistent, authorities say the overall risk to the public remains low while investigations continue.
Should Filipinos worry about hantavirus? The Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary and Spokesperson Albert Domingo spoke about this and shared that the 38 Filipinos on board the cruise ship where the virus has been confirmed remained well and not infected.
As of this writing, Domingo expressed that there are still no verified cases of hantavirus in the Philippines. With many areas in the Philippines infested with rodents, the virus remain unlikely due to many factors.
The DOH undersecretary said, “Pero yung hantavirus, it is possible na hindi siya endemic, or isa pang possibility baka nandiyan lang siya sa paligid, hindi lang siya tumatawid [sa tao].”
He added that the only way to detect and confirm this is through undergoing laboratory testing.
Domingo explained what to do when dealing with dried rat droppings, since they can release dust-like particles that may be inhaled. He advises not to sweep dried rat droppings because they can turn into airborne dust and spread diseases like Hantavirus infection and leptospirosis. Instead, clean them using a damp cloth or while wearing gloves, and if outdoors, gently pour water to wash them away without creating dust.
What can you say about this? Let us know in the comments!
