dr. Bojana Beović: I would approach communicating about the pandemic differently today
Which virus will cause the next pandemic is difficult to predict. Nevertheless, with the infections on the cruise ship MV Hondius, it is already clear from the start that the Andean hantavirus is not the most likely candidate. Influenza viruses and coronaviruses can change quickly and significantly, reminded Dr. Bojana Beović, infectious disease specialist and president of the Medical Association of Slovenia.
Other circumstances also count, reminded the interlocutor, who was at the head of the advisory group for covid-19 during the last pandemic. Even from today’s point of view, she would not significantly change the recommendations to the authorities at that time, she said, but in certain moments she would think it would make sense to even restrict contacts more strictly. On the other hand, communication about the pandemic should be different, in my opinion.
What did you think when you first heard about infections on a mid-Atlantic cruise?
On how a very modern way of life with tourism encourages the spread of infectious diseases. In this case, people were in close contact with nature, including rodents, by taking part in cruises and traveling to distant places. Just having a lot of people in a confined space, as happens on cruise ships, increases the possibility of transmission. This type of travel is known for more frequent outbreaks, especially of highly contagious enteric diseases such as noroviruses.
I also thought about hand hygiene, which is a basic measure but can prevent many infections. This also applies to hantavirus, with which humans can become infected through contact with animal secretions.
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