Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship: 7 Cases Confirmed, 5 Suspected
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 7 cases of hantavirus infection on a cruise ship, the Hondius, which is currently stranded off the coast of Cape Verde in the Atlantic Ocean. The ship, which has 149 people on board, including passengers from the UK, US, Spain, and France, has been placed under strict health protocols, including confinement measures.
Three Deaths, Four Others Showing Symptoms
Three passengers have died, including a Dutch couple and a German national. One person is experiencing severe respiratory symptoms, while three others are showing mild symptoms. The WHO has stated that the risk of public health is low, as hantavirus infections are rare among humans.
Transmission Interhuman
The WHO has suggested that transmission interhuman is a possible cause of the outbreak, citing close contact among passengers, including couples and people sharing cabins. Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness, stated that the priority is to evacuate the two passengers who are still on board and allow the ship to continue its journey to the Canary Islands.
Evacuation Plans
The Spanish Ministry of Health has announced that the ship will be received in the Canary Islands, in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles. Medical teams will treat all passengers and crew members before transferring them to their countries of origin. The Cape Verdean Ministry of Health has confirmed that three people will be evacuated via two air ambulances in the coming hours.
Hantavirus Infection
Hantavirus is a potentially deadly virus that is usually transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their urine, feces, or saliva. The WHO estimates that there are between 10,000 and 100,000 cases of hantavirus infection worldwide each year, with Argentina reporting the highest number of cases in the Americas.
Specialist Warns of Hantavirus Mortality Rate
A Tunisian specialist has warned of the high mortality rate of hantavirus, which can reach up to 50%. The WHO has stated that the mortality rate for hantavirus in Argentina is around 32%, which is higher than the average and that observed for other strains of the virus.
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