Hantavirus in Focus I: what we all know and what it means

Hantaviruses are rodent‑borne viruses that may trigger extreme and typically deadly illness in people, primarily by way of publicity to contaminated rodent excreta. Within the Americas, an infection can result in hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome, a severe respiratory sickness.

In Might 2026, WHO was notified of a multi‑nation cluster of hantavirus infections linked to an expedition cruise ship. As of 13 Might, 11 instances, together with three deaths, had been reported, related to Andes virus—a pressure able to restricted human‑to‑human transmission by way of shut contact.

WHO is coordinating the worldwide response beneath the Worldwide Well being Laws (2005), together with info sharing, contact tracing assist, and ongoing threat evaluation. The general threat to the overall inhabitants is presently thought of low, however the occasion highlights the significance of preparedness, surveillance and clear threat communication.

This webinar will share what is thought about hantavirus, together with the worldwide and nation views, and what this occasion means for public well being and group safety.

Targets 

To offer an up‑to‑date overview of hantavirus, together with the present multi‑nation occasion, and to debate its implications for public well being.

Agenda and Audio system

Introduction: EPI-WIN Science and Information Translation, WHO 

Welcome remarks: Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, Director a.i., Epidemic and pandemic administration division (EPM), WHO

Overview: Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez, Head (a.i.), Rising Zoonosis and Excessive Affect Epidemics, Epidemic and pandemic Administration Division (EPM), WHO

Surveillance: Dr Boris Pavlin, Staff Lead, Well being Emergency Alert & Response Operations Division, WHE