World Health Organization (WHO) Confirms Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that a strain of the hantavirus identified in several cases linked to an outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius matches the Andes strain, known for its ability to transmit between humans. As of May 13, 11 cases have been reported, including three deaths.
Details
According to a statement released on Wednesday evening, eight people have been laboratory-confirmed to be infected with the Andes strain, while two cases are considered probable, and one case remains inconclusive and is undergoing further analysis.
The WHO notes that the inconclusive case involves a person hospitalized in the United States, who is currently asymptomatic. The results of tests conducted in two different laboratories have been contradictory, with one test coming back positive and the other negative. The patient, an American national who traveled on the ship, is being hospitalized in Nebraska and is awaiting further confirmation tests.
Among the eight confirmed cases, two deaths have been reported.
Background
Hantavirus is a group of viruses primarily transmitted by rodents, including mice. These animals can carry the virus in their urine, feces, and saliva. Human transmission typically occurs through inhalation of contaminated particles in the air or contact with contaminated surfaces, followed by contact with mucous membranes.
Unlike other viral infections, human-to-human transmission of hantavirus is extremely rare. It has only been observed in limited cases, particularly for certain strains in South America. Experts believe that the episode on the ship is more likely linked to environmental contamination or indirect exposure to rodents rather than human-to-human transmission.
Key Statistics
- 11 cases reported as of May 13
- 3 deaths reported
- 8 cases confirmed with the Andes strain
- 2 cases considered probable
- 1 case remains inconclusive and is undergoing further analysis
