Infectious disease expert Nikos Sypsas clarifies status of hantavirus

On Friday, May 8, infectious disease expert Nikos Sypsas addressed concerns regarding the hantavirus, stating that it does not pose a pandemic risk. He explained that the virus is primarily transmitted through the inhalation of dust contaminated by rodent excrement, affecting mainly foresters, hunters, and those working in basements. While the virus has a high mortality rate of 30% in South America, the strain found in Greece has significantly lower mortality. Sypsas emphasized that the virus is less transmissible than COVID-19, requiring close physical contact for human-to-human transmission. Currently, there is no specific vaccine or drug available, although researchers at the University of Bath in Britain are developing a vaccine that has shown promise in animal trials. Health authorities are advised to maintain readiness and isolate exposed individuals to ensure public safety. Historically, Greece has seen minimal cases, such as an outbreak in Epirus in 1985 with approximately 10 cases.