Veterinarian Víctor Algra said that native mice in Spain do not transmit hantavirus during a television appearance earlier this month [1].
This clarification aims to prevent unnecessary public alarm regarding the virus's transmission. Because public health concerns can trigger widespread anxiety, distinguishing between common urban pests and specific biological vectors is essential for accurate risk assessment.
Speaking on the program "Zapeando" on May 19, Algra addressed the nature of the virus and its carriers [1]. He said, "The hantavirus is transmitted through a very specific species: the long-tailed mouse" [1]. By isolating the risk to this particular rodent, Algra sought to inform the public that common native mice do not pose this specific threat.
While some reports suggest that rodents in general, including various rats and mice, carry the risk of transmission, Algra's professional assessment emphasizes a more limited vector range [1]. This distinction is critical for health authorities and citizens when managing rodent control and public safety protocols.
The global awareness of the virus has fluctuated over time. Some reports indicate that the name of the virus returned to global alerts after six years [2]. Such cycles of visibility often lead to increased public questioning about local risks, even in regions where the specific vectors are not prevalent.
Algra's appearance on the La Sexta network serves as a corrective measure against misinformation. By specifying the long-tailed mouse as the primary vector, he provided a scientific boundary to the threat, one that excludes the broader population of native Spanish mice [1].
“"The hantavirus is transmitted through a very specific species: the long-tailed mouse."”
The distinction between general rodent populations and specific vectors like the long-tailed mouse is vital for public health communication. By debunking the idea that all native mice are dangerous, experts can prevent panic while maintaining a targeted focus on the actual biological risks associated with hantavirus transmission.
