Man who survived hantavirus 24 years ago, but lost mom and sister, recounts experience
Summary
Gilbert Zermeño, a photojournalist from Arizona, survived hantavirus 24 years ago after losing his mother and sister to the disease. A recent outbreak linked to a cruise ship has caused concern, but health experts say the risk of spreading hantavirus between people is very low.Key Facts
- Gilbert Zermeño contracted hantavirus in 2002 after cleaning his family’s house where rodent droppings were present.
- His mother and sister died from hantavirus but were first misdiagnosed with sepsis.
- Hantavirus is linked to exposure to rodents, not easily spread between people.
- A recent outbreak tied to a Dutch-flagged cruise ship caused nine cases, including three deaths.
- The World Health Organization says there is no risk of a global pandemic from this virus.
- The U.S. CDC says hantavirus requires close contact to spread and the chance of infection is very low.
- Zermeño urges people to get accurate information and listen to medical advice if exposed.
- Online misinformation has caused unnecessary fear about the virus compared to COVID-19.
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