BBC doctor details only people who 'should be concerned’ about Hantavirus

Hantavirus has been making global headlines and triggered widespread concern from people worried that it could be the next pandemic-causing virus. BBC ’s Dr Xand shared his verdict on this theory and listed th e only people he believes should actually be concerned about the outbreak. The doctor spoke on Morning Live on May 11, hoping that the key takeaway viewers get from his appearance would be “reassurance”. He said: “Viruses make people nervous, but actually this is not a thing that we should be concerned about.” Dr Xand explained that the only people he thinks “should be concerned” would be the cruise ship passengers who may have been in close contact with infected people for long enough to have contracted the virus. Dr Xand shared some words specifically for the ship passengers that are now isolating in the UK: “If they are watching telly at the moment we should say; we're thinking of you, this has been very difficult for you. It is great that you’re home and we hope you're feeling good.” The TV doctor urged people who may be near or in the hospital where the passengers are isolating: “These poor people have been on a boat. It's been very traumatic, very nerve-wracking; they will have been very worried about catching what is potentially a deadly virus in the confines of a cruise ship. “We shouldn’t (make them feel) contaminated or ostracised or anything. Of course, we're taking precautionary measures, but it’s great that they're home and they don't pose a risk to us.” He assured: “The main thing to say about hantavirus is that this, it’s not like Covid.” The expert pointed out the biggest difference between the two conditions is how it spreads. Covid was a highly contagious disease that could be transmitted during brief interactions through the air when an infected person breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes. Hantavirus, on the other hand, is usually transmitted through exposure to faeces, saliva or urine of infected rodents. The strain that caused the outbreak on the luxury cruise ship has had cases of human-to-human transmission reported in the past. However, even in the rare cases of human-to-human transmission, there was close and prolonged contact with the infected person during the early stages of the disease in order to pass on the virus. It was usually passed on between members of the same household or intimate partners. Dr Xand pointed out another major difference between this outbreak and the beginning of Covid: “(Hantavirus) not a brand new virus, it hasn't suddenly emerged out of somewhere.” Although medical experts have known about hantavirus for years, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, according to the U KHSA. Instead, treatment is focused on supporting the patient based on their individual symptoms. This can include hospital care respiratory support. Prompt treatment and support can improve a person’s outcome, but this can be difficult as early signs of hantavirus are similar to the common flu so people may dismiss the early warnings when they should be getting treatment.