Dr. Jay Bhattacharyya, the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reassured the public regarding the hantavirus situation on cruise ships, highlighting that it differs significantly from COVID-19.
Also leading the National Institutes of Health, Bhattacharyya supported the CDC’s contact tracing efforts, which have centered on seven passengers who returned home weeks ago, maintaining that the agency was simply adhering to established protocols.
“We certainly don’t want to incite panic among the public,” he stated during an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union.” He expressed confidence in the hantavirus response measures that have effectively managed previous outbreaks.
“The key point I wish to convey is that this is not coronavirus; it’s quite a different situation,” he elaborated.
“There’s no reason to panic when the data doesn’t warrant it,” he added, emphasizing a calm approach.
Hantavirus, typically associated with rodents, can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and respiratory issues.
The cruise ship MV Hondius, where the outbreak took place, had around 150 individuals on board as disembarkation commenced over the weekend.
According to World Health Organization officials, at least three passengers have died, and five more have faced severe symptoms related to hantavirus since April 11.
There are 17 American passengers still on the cruise ship.
