In Sweden, there are three levels for classifying infectious diseases: notifiable, dangerous to the general public, and dangerous to society. Hantavirus has previously been classified as dangerous to the general public, which is considered sufficient.
This is a disease that is so serious that, if the situation were to change, we are ready to classify it as a public health emergency, says Erik Sturegård, acting state epidemiologist.
Low risk
Jakob Forssmed (KD) says that the government has the ability to act quickly if necessary.
At present, the authority has not signaled any measures from the government.
Erik Sturegård says that both the WHO and the European infectious disease control agency have assessed that there is a very low risk of infection spreading to the general public.
We share that assessment. There is nothing at the moment to suggest otherwise. This is a virus that has been known for a long time and the largest known outbreak was in 34 individuals.
Seven people who were on board the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship have been confirmed infected, with a possible eighth case according to the WHO. In addition, three people have died, two of them with confirmed infection.
The Andes virus is not considered to be highly contagious. The fact that there has been an outbreak on the ship is likely explained by the cramped environment in which the passengers were confined for a long time. However, the mortality rate for those who become ill is around 30 percent.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's best advice to Swedes who are worried about the virus is to follow the Public Health Agency's analysis closely.
Right now, their analysis is that they see no high risk of spread beyond those who have been there, he also emphasizes.
Isolated at home
A Swede was on board the ship, but has not shown any signs of infection. According to the Public Health Agency, the person is isolated at home and has daily contact with the infectious disease control in his region.
Erik Sturegård says that he cannot go into details about individuals, but that the hantavirus has a long incubation period, around six weeks.
As with many diseases, you are contagious when you have symptoms. There is a small risk of being contagious just before you have symptoms, but this can be for a day or two.
