We all remember the march of 2020, when the world shut down. COVID-19 took over the entirety of the United States, and everything shut down. When it finally cleared up, everyone thought they were free from large viruses like that for at least a decade, but just 6 years later, there are beginning cases of the Hantavirus.
Hantavirus started on a small ship that was traveling the world. They made a stop in Argentina, where the virus was contracted to a man on the ship. The virus spread to the man’s wife, later killing her. The virus has a 35% mortality rate, making it a very dangerous sickness.
The world has become very worried after it shut down for almost two years, only half a decade ago. Another virus coming to the United States could be very harmful to the population.
So far, there have been 11 reported cases of the Hantavirus, and 3 of those cases have been people who passed away. Unfortunately, the Hantavirus is a lot worse than people may see it. Lots of people may think that it is fun for them because they might get more time off school, but in reality, it is a serious disease.
Although this can seem scary, the virus is only spread through saliva and not person to person in the way that COVID was. It is much harder to contract and give the virus, so if the people on the cruise stay quarantined until it is completely gone, then all should be well, and there is no need to freak out.
One student, Olivia Lang, expresses her feelings about the new virus and her concerns.
“I’m personally really worried about this new virus because I know how impactful the last lockdown and outbreak were, and I don’t think we can have another. I’m scared.” Says Lang.
For many people, the impact the virus has on the world is huge. Not being able to leave the house to do anything and being stuck just inside all day, every day, can really hurt your health, mentally and physically.
The passengers on the ship have already started to experience this, as they were put in quarantine in Nebraska and Georgia. They are not allowed to have any contact with anyone besides the nurses, where they have to wear masks to communicate, along with daily temperature checks.
Imagine just being in a plain room all day to just quarantine with almost no social interaction. That is what it is like or would be like.
“I really just don’t want to be bored out of my mind every day. I have already been through it once, and I don’t want to do it again.” Lang says.
Hopefully, the Hantavirus doesn’t spread any further, and there will be no worries for quarantining in the next couple of decades.
While it’s scary and nobody wants another outbreak, we can prevent it as much as possible, make sure to wash your hands and stay clean and safe!
