Al-Quds newspaper

A state of global health concern prevailed after deaths and infections with the Hanta virus were recorded on board the cruise ship MV Hondius while it was sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. This incident highlighted the seriousness of zoonotic diseases, which are transmitted from animals to humans and pose a growing threat to international health security.

Medical sources reported that three passengers had died as of last Wednesday evening, while others were still undergoing treatment for the infection. Preliminary estimates indicate that the strain causing this outbreak is the ‘Andean virus’, which is known for its high risk and unique ability to transmit directly between humans.

Hantavirus is usually transmitted through inhalation of particles contaminated with the droppings or saliva of infected rodents, which makes closed environments such as ships vulnerable to rapid spread. The virus previously made headlines last year following the death of the wife of American actor Gene Hackman due to it, which reflects the expansion of its geographical spread.

The World Health Organization has warned that diseases of animal origin represent about 60% of infectious infections emerging in the modern era. Experts link this rise to severe climate changes and the increased pace of international travel, which facilitates the transmission of viruses across continents in a few hours.

The Nipah virus stands out as one of the most deadly threats, with death rates among those infected ranging from 40% to 75%. This virus is transmitted through fruit bats or pigs, and India has recently recorded cases of infection that required a health alert to contain the outbreak and prevent it from turning into a pandemic.

In a related context, the Marburg virus raises similar concerns due to the high death rate, which may reach 88% in some cases. The virus is transmitted through contact with the secretions of Egyptian fruit bats, and Ethiopia recently witnessed an outbreak that led to the death of nine people at the beginning of this year.

As for ‘monkeypox’, it still represents a challenge despite the decline in media momentum around it, as health authorities continue to monitor new strains. In the United States, about 20 cases of the first strain have been recorded since the end of last year, most of which were linked to international travel to Africa and Europe.

Monkeypox is transmitted through direct contact with infected animals such as African squirrels and rats, or through consumption of their meat. Although most of those infected recover, the disease remains very dangerous for children, those with weak immune systems, and pregnant women.

‘Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever’ is one of the most dangerous types of fever transmitted by the ‘Hyaloma’ tick, which is widespread in large areas of Asia and Africa. This disease is characterized by the sudden appearance of symptoms, including internal bleeding and kidney failure, with a mortality rate ranging between 30% and 50% among those infected.

Health reports indicated that Uganda recently recorded the infection of a young nurse with this virus, which reinforces fears of the disease spreading to new areas. The infection is also transmitted through contact with the blood of infected livestock, which puts workers in the livestock sector in direct danger.

Scientists argue that rampant urbanization and deforestation reduce the distance between humans and wildlife, increasing the chances of viral jumps. This ill-considered friction creates an ideal environment for the emergence of mutant strains capable of adapting to the human body and spreading rapidly.

Countering these threats requires strengthening early warning and epidemiological surveillance systems at ports, airports and border areas. Experts also stress the need to improve medical care and provide experimental vaccines in areas where there are active hotspots of these deadly viruses.

Individual prevention remains a fundamental pillar, as doctors advise avoiding direct contact with wild animals or consuming animal products that are not subject to health supervision. Also, quickly heading to medical centers when flu-like symptoms appear after traveling may save the life of the infected person and prevent the spread of infection.

In conclusion, the world remains in a race against time to confront the “next epidemic” that may spread from a small creature in a remote forest or an ocean-going ship. International coordination and transparent information exchange between countries are the only weapon to reduce the human and economic losses resulting from these epidemics.