The recent outbreak of the Andes hantavirus aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius is a reminder to the international community that humanity’s battle against infectious diseases is far from over.

While the World Health Organization has assessed that the overall global public health risk is low, the incident has nevertheless triggered concern because the Andes virus is currently the only known hantavirus strain capable of limited human-to-human transmission.

As of early this week, multiple confirmed and suspected cases linked to the cruise ship have been reported across several countries, and multiple deaths were recorded. Coordinated by WHO and relevant national authorities, international medical evacuations, quarantine arrangements and contact-tracing efforts are underway.

China’s disease-control authorities have responded promptly. According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, no cases of human infection with the Andes virus have been reported in China as of early this week, nor has any natural host capable of carrying the virus been identified within the country. Wang Shiwen, deputy director of the National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention under China CDC, told the media that the risk of imported transmission and large-scale outbreaks in China remains extremely low.

Experts further clarified an important scientific fact often overlooked amid sensational headlines: human-to-human transmission is not a common characteristic of hantaviruses in general. Under normal circumstances, hantavirus infection mainly occurs through contact with infected rodents or exposure to contaminated urine, feces and saliva. While the Andes virus represents a rare exception, transmission generally requires close and prolonged contact in enclosed environments. Existing evidence indicates that such transmission remains limited and controllable with proper public health measures.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the international community has learned that panic, politicization and disinformation can spread faster than the virus itself, thus undermining global prevention and control efforts.

The current hantavirus incident once again demonstrates the importance of adhering to science in the face of disease outbreaks. Yet climate factors have made it harder to respond by expanding rodent habitats and extending transmission seasons. Countries must strengthen their early warning systems, improve cross-border information sharing and enhance emergency coordination mechanisms. Infectious diseases do not respect national boundaries. The multinational response surrounding the outbreak aboard MV Hondius illustrates the importance of timely information sharing among governments, public health agencies and international organizations.

Equally important is the need to uphold the coordinating role of the WHO. Throughout the current outbreak, WHO has worked within the framework of the International Health Regulations to facilitate information exchange, coordinate contact tracing and provide scientific risk assessments. WHO has consistently stressed that the overall public risk remains low while urging continued vigilance and monitoring.

Professionalism and multilateral coordination are precisely what the world needs to confront future health threats. Attempts to stigmatize countries, float conspiracy theories or undermine international cooperation would only weaken the collective capacity to respond effectively.

At the same time, the outbreak underscores the importance of strengthening public health literacy. Public health experts note that ordinary preventive measures — such as avoiding contact with rodents and contaminated environments, maintaining hygiene standards and seeking timely medical treatment if symptoms arise — remain effective. WHO’s hantavirus guidance also highlights the importance of rodent control, sanitation and rapid clinical management. Severely unwell patients can significantly improve their prognosis through early intensive medical care.

Humanity has paid a heavy price during past pandemics. Only through scientific response, openness, solidarity and strengthened global governance can the world better safeguard public health security. The hantavirus outbreak should serve as another reminder that international cooperation and respect for science remain humanity’s strongest defenses against infectious diseases.