From Rodents to Reality: The Truth About Hantavirus

From Rodents to Reality: The Truth About Hantavirus

From Transmission Interrupted by NETEC

May 27, 2026 · 22 min · Episode 57

About this episode

This episode provides clarity on the hantavirus outbreak and discusses its transmission and risks.

In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan sits down with Dr. Gaby Frank, internist and director of the Special Pathogens Center at Johns Hopkins, to provide clarity and insight on the current hantavirus outbreak. The conversation kicks off by demystifying essential public health terms like "isolation" and "quarantine," explaining their definitions and uses in the context of infectious diseases in the U.S. Jill and Dr. Frank then dive into the science behind hantavirus, specifically the unique Andes virus strain in Argentina and its rare but notable potential for human-to-human transmission, a distinction setting it apart from the many other hantavirus strains found throughout the Americas. Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of how hantavirus is typically contracted—primarily from aerosolized rodent droppings rather than person-to-person transmission—and the actual risks associated with exposure. The episode highlights findings from a long-term study in Chile, which revealed only 3.3% of close contacts developed the disease, with greatest risk among household and romantic partners. Jill and Dr. Frank dispel some of the fear and misinformation…

People in this episode

Host: Jill Morgan

Guest: Dr. Gaby Frank

Topics covered

  • hantavirus
  • public health
  • infectious diseases
  • preparedness
  • misinformation

Keywords

  • hantavirus
  • Andes virus
  • rodent droppings
  • quarantine
  • public health

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Johns Hopkins

Places: Argentina, Chile, U.S.

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