WHO Official, Maria Kerkhove, Clarifies Key Difference Between Hantavirus and COVID-19
- Maria Van Kerkhove, a senior official at the World Health Organisation, has clarified that Hantavirus is completely different from COVID-19
- She explained that Hantavirus is not a new virus and has been known to health experts for many years
- Her comments have reassured many people worried about the possibility of another global pandemic similar to COVID-19
A senior official at the World Health Organization, Maria Van Kerkhove, has moved to calm growing public concerns surrounding the Hantavirus, clarifying that the disease is entirely different from COVID-19 and should not be viewed as the beginning of another global coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking on the matter, Maria Van Kerkhove explained that Hantavirus is not a new disease and has been known to health experts for many years.
Source: Getty Images
According to her, the virus differs significantly from COVID-19 in terms of its spread, transmission dynamics, and the level of public health risk it poses.
She emphasised that, unlike COVID-19, which spreads rapidly through human-to-human contact globally, the Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or materials contaminated by them.
How Hantavirus spreads
Health experts explain that humans can become infected with Hantavirus after coming into contact with rodent urine, saliva, or droppings.
The virus may also spread when contaminated particles become airborne and are inhaled by humans, especially in enclosed spaces where rodents are present.
Maria Van Kerkhove noted that there is currently no evidence suggesting widespread human-to-human transmission of Hantavirus, which makes it fundamentally different from the coronavirus that caused the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Difference between Hantavirus and COVID-19
COVID-19, caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, spread rapidly around the world mainly through respiratory droplets and close human interaction.
Source: UGC
The disease evolved into a global pandemic because infected individuals could easily pass the virus to others through coughing, sneezing, speaking, or close physical contact.
Hantavirus, on the other hand, is mainly linked to exposure to infected rodents and does not typically spread between people in everyday settings.
Another key difference is that COVID-19 affected millions of people globally within a short period, while Hantavirus outbreaks are generally isolated and much less widespread.
Call for public awareness, not panic
Maria Van Kerkhove emphasised that although Hantavirus can be dangerous and potentially fatal in some cases, the public should focus on awareness and prevention rather than panic.
Health experts advise people to avoid direct contact with rodents, maintain proper sanitation, and safely clean areas where rodent infestation may exist.
The clarification from the WHO official comes amid growing online discussions and concerns following renewed public interest in viral diseases and global health threats.
Her comments have since reassured many people who feared that reports about Hantavirus signalled the emergence of another pandemic similar to COVID-19.
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Prophet Roja’s vision about USA and UK
Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that Prophet Roja shared a prediction about a possible major global conflict.
He detailed an alleged vision about a potential war between the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
The latest prophecy has added to Prophet Roja’s growing reputation for making controversial spiritual declarations.
Source: YEN.com.gh
