Lessons The United States Can Apply From COVID-19 To The Andes Hantavirus Outbreak

InnovationHealthcareLessons The United States Can Apply From COVID-19 To The Andes Hantavirus OutbreakByOmer Awan,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Dr. Omer Awan is a practicing physician who covers public health.Follow AuthorMay 11, 2026, 09:15pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SAINT HELENA ISLAND - APRIL 24: A view of the Dutch-flagged vessel MV Hondius is seen navigating the Atlantic Ocean near Saint Helena Island on April 24, 2026. ages)Anadolu via Getty ImagesThree deaths and nine reported cases of Hantavirus have been associated with an outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control. The cases and deaths have been linked to the Andes strain, the only strain of hantavirus that can spread person-to-person. These cases have understandably caused concern and consternation for many Americans. The experience from the COVID-19 pandemic can offer important lessons for how the United States can respond in order to prevent fear, confusion and unnecessary escalation while ensuring the country remains ready if risks evolve.Here are several lessons that could prove beneficial.Communication And Transparency MatterOne of the biggest challenges during COVID-19 was inconsistent messaging, particularly from federal government officials and healthcare providers on topics such as masks and social distancing. This shifting and discrepant guidance undermined public trust and led to confusion among Americans.With the Andes hantavirus, any uncertainty should be explained clearly and openly to the American public to build trust and confidence in public health. Although the CDC has been actively posting updates on X, there has been a scarcity of public health debriefings, announcements and press conferences from the department of Health and Human Services providing updates to the gen...