HARARE, May 13 (NewsDay Live) — The World Health Organization (WHO) has moved to dispel growing misinformation surrounding hantavirus amid rising public concern and speculation online.
The clarification comes after Zimbabwean health authorities placed three healthcare workers under precautionary monitoring after they returned from Ascension Island as contacts of a confirmed hantavirus case. The Ministry of Health and Child Care said the individuals were asymptomatic and being monitored in line with international health protocols.
In a statement, WHO said misinformation about hantavirus continued to fuel unnecessary panic, particularly around transmission, treatment and quarantine measures. It also dismissed claims that ivermectin was effective against the virus.
“Misinformation around hantavirus continues to spread online. Human-to-human transmission of Andes virus is possible but uncommon and typically linked to close, prolonged contact in enclosed settings,” WHO said.
“WHO states there is currently no evidence that ivermectin is effective against hantavirus. Hantavirus is caused by a virus, so antibiotics are not routinely used unless a bacterial infection is also suspected.”
WHO said hantaviruses were not new and had been monitored for decades.
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The organisation also stressed that hantavirus infection was not automatically fatal, despite the absence of an approved antiviral treatment.
“While there is currently no approved antiviral treatment, early supportive medical care and ICU support can improve survival,” WHO said, adding that monitoring, contact tracing and isolation remained precautionary public health measures aimed at limiting further spread.
According to WHO, hantavirus is a rare rodent-borne viral disease spread through contact with infected rodents or exposure to their urine, saliva or droppings. Symptoms include fever, headaches, fatigue and muscle pain, while severe cases can develop into serious respiratory complications.