“More cases possible…”- Panic as WHO confirms Hantavirus outbreak
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed five cases of hantavirus linked to a cruise ship currently sailing in the Atlantic Ocean, while three additional suspected cases are still under investigation.
WHO Speaks on Outbreak
Speaking during a virtual media briefing on Thursday, WHO Director-General said the organisation had been informed by the United Kingdom about “a cluster of passengers with severe respiratory illness” aboard the Hondius cruise ship.
The Dutch-flagged vessel was travelling from Cape Verde to Tenerife when the outbreak was detected.
“While this is a serious incident, WHO assesses the public health risk as low,” Tedros said during the briefing.
According to the WHO chief, eight cases have been reported so far, including three deaths, five confirmed infections and three suspected cases linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus.
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantaviruses are viruses carried by rodents and can infect humans through contact with infected rats, their urine, saliva or droppings.
The strain identified on the cruise ship is the Andes virus, which is mainly found in Latin America and is considered the only hantavirus strain capable of limited human-to-human transmission.
WHO explained that previous outbreaks showed transmission between humans usually happened after prolonged close contact among household members, intimate partners and healthcare workers.
Details of the Victims
Tedros revealed that the first victim was a man who developed symptoms on April 6 and died five days later. No samples were taken at the time because the symptoms resembled those of other viral illnesses.
His wife later became the second victim after she reportedly became ill while ashore in Saint Helena. She died on April 25.
A third woman later developed symptoms on April 25 and died seven days afterwards.
“Given the incubation period of the hantavirus, which can be up to six weeks, it is possible that more cases may be reported,” Tedros added.
Investigation Underway
Before boarding the ship, the first two victims had travelled through Chile, Argentina and Uruguay on a bird-watching trip.
Reports said the trip included visits to locations known to have rats that carry hantavirus. Authorities in Argentina have since launched investigations into the couple’s movements.
Tedros also disclosed that Argentina would send 2,500 diagnostic kits to laboratories in five countries to support testing efforts.
The WHO has additionally notified 12 countries whose citizens disembarked in Saint Helena, including Britain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkiye and the United States.
Swe below;
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