The World Health Organization has stated that there is currently no evidence that the hantavirus, which caused an outbreak on a cruise ship, has mutated to become more contagious or dangerous. This was reported by The Hill, according to UNN.
Regarding the Andes hantavirus strain—a rare variant that can be transmitted from person to person and has a high mortality rate.
Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO Director for Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, reported that geneticists are examining virus samples from infected passengers.
They have not found any changes that would indicate the virus has become more transmissible or more severe
Following the outbreak on the cruise ship, which resulted in three deaths, passengers who left the liner were placed under medical observation and quarantine.
Passengers from the US were taken to the National Quarantine Center in Nebraska. They were given the option to either stay at the center or undergo monitoring at home.
The WHO emphasized that strict quarantine measures were implemented "out of an abundance of caution," as hantavirus is capable of spreading between humans.
The organization recommends that everyone who was on board the vessel observe a 42-day quarantine.
At the same time, the WHO stressed that the overall risk to the general public currently remains low.