WHO debunks hantavirus myths as online misinformation fuels public fear

By World Health Organization (WHO)

GENEVA: The World Health Organization has issued a detailed public clarification addressing a growing wave of online misinformation surrounding hantavirus, warning that false claims about the rodent-borne disease could create unnecessary panic and confusion among the public.

In a health advisory, WHO sought to debunk several widely circulating myths related to hantavirus transmission, treatment and outbreak response as misleading social media posts continue comparing the virus to COVID-19 and promoting unverified treatments.

The global health agency stressed that hantaviruses are not new and have been monitored by scientists and public health authorities for decades. WHO also clarified that while limited human-to-human transmission has been documented for Andes virus in South America, hantavirus does not spread easily between people like COVID-19.

WHO warns against viral misinformation about hantavirus

The World Health Organization specifically addressed misinformation claiming that hantavirus spreads rapidly through communities in the same way as coronavirus infections.

According to WHO, human-to-human transmission remains rare and has only been documented in limited cases involving Andes virus, primarily among close household contacts in South America.

“Hantaviruses are a known group of rodent-borne viruses that have been monitored for decades,” WHO stated in its official update.

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Health authorities explained that most infections occur after exposure to infected rodents or their urine, saliva or droppings, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated environments contaminated by rodents.

WHO rejects ivermectin and antibiotic claims

The organization also pushed back against online claims suggesting ivermectin or antibiotics can cure hantavirus infection.

WHO stated there is currently no scientific evidence showing ivermectin is effective against hantavirus disease. Similarly, antibiotics are not considered routine treatment because hantavirus infections are caused by viruses rather than bacteria.

Medical experts warn that misinformation surrounding unproven treatments can delay proper medical care and potentially worsen patient outcomes.

Early supportive care can improve survival

While there is currently no licensed antiviral treatment or vaccine specifically approved for hantavirus infection, WHO emphasized that early supportive medical care can significantly improve survival chances.

Healthcare professionals say prompt hospitalization, intensive care support and close monitoring of respiratory, cardiac and kidney complications remain critical, especially in severe cases of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS).

According to WHO, hantavirus infections in the Americas can carry fatality rates of up to 50%, making early diagnosis and clinical management extremely important.

What is hantavirus?

Hantaviruses belong to a family of rodent-borne viruses capable of causing severe disease in humans.

In the Americas, hantavirus infections are associated with hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome, a potentially life-threatening illness affecting the lungs and heart.

In Europe and Asia, hantaviruses are more commonly linked to haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, which primarily affects the kidneys and blood vessels.

WHO estimates that globally between 10,000 and more than 100,000 hantavirus infections may occur annually, with the highest burden reported in Asia and Europe.

Symptoms health experts say people should not ignore

According to WHO guidance, hantavirus symptoms can initially resemble flu-like illnesses and may include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain

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In severe cases, patients may rapidly develop:
• Shortness of breath
• Fluid accumulation in the lungs
• Low blood pressure
• Kidney complications
• Shock

Medical experts say hantavirus diagnosis can be difficult during early stages because symptoms overlap with influenza, dengue, COVID-19, viral pneumonia and other infectious diseases.

WHO explains why quarantine and monitoring measures are used

The organization also addressed conspiracy-driven misinformation suggesting that contact tracing and isolation measures indicate hidden outbreaks or secret pandemics.

WHO clarified that monitoring, contact tracing and temporary isolation are standard public health measures designed to detect symptoms early, protect close contacts and reduce potential transmission risks during suspected outbreaks.

The agency stressed that such measures are precautionary and do not necessarily indicate widespread uncontrolled transmission.

Prevention remains the strongest defense

WHO continues to recommend preventive measures focused on reducing contact with rodents and contaminated environments.

Health authorities advise the public to:
• Keep homes and workplaces clean
• Seal rodent entry points
• Store food securely
• Avoid sweeping rodent droppings dry
• Use damp cleaning methods in contaminated areas
• Practice proper hand hygiene

Public health experts say misinformation during infectious disease events can significantly undermine prevention efforts and create unnecessary fear.

WHO stated it will continue working with countries and global health partners to strengthen surveillance, laboratory preparedness, public communication and outbreak response efforts for hantavirus infections worldwide.

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