This action follows a health alert caused by a hantavirus outbreak detected on the cruise ship MV Hondius. The main objective is to provide citizens with clear and concise information about this pathology, how it spreads, and the precautions that should be taken, especially when traveling to rural areas or countries where the virus is endemic.
Hantaviruses are viruses primarily transmitted by wild rodents. Infection usually occurs by inhaling air contaminated with particles from the urine, saliva, or feces of these animals, especially in enclosed, abandoned, or poorly ventilated spaces.
“"Initial symptoms can easily be confused with those of a severe flu, including high fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, abdominal discomfort, or back pain."
A particular characteristic of the Andes strain is its ability to be transmitted between people in situations of close and prolonged contact, which differentiates it from other variants of the virus.
Among the recommendations issued by the Community of Madrid, it is advised to avoid contact with rodents, not to enter abandoned buildings without prior ventilation, and to exercise extreme caution during travel or activities carried out in rural environments.
