By Zoila Palma: The World Health Organization (WHO) says a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship has resulted in eight reported cases and three deaths across multiple countries as international health authorities continue contact tracing and investigations.
In its latest update issued on May 8, WHO confirmed that six of the cases tested positive for Andes virus, a rare strain of hantavirus known to cause severe respiratory illness.
WHO stated that “the risk for passengers and crew on the ship is considered moderate,” while the overall global risk remains low.
The outbreak was first reported on May 2 after a cluster of severe respiratory illness, including deaths, was detected aboard a Dutch-flagged cruise ship.
The organization said, “all six laboratory-confirmed cases were identified as Andes virus,” with infections confirmed through PCR testing or sequencing. Four patients remain hospitalized in South Africa, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, while investigations continue into how the virus spread among passengers and crew.
WHO said evidence suggests the first probable case, an adult male who boarded the ship after traveling in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, may have been exposed through environmental contact with infected rodents before embarkation.
The agency noted that “current evidence points to subsequent human-to-human transmission onboard,” based on the timing of symptoms and close contact between cases. Andes virus is one of the few hantaviruses known to occasionally spread between people during prolonged close exposure.
Health authorities from several countries, including Argentina, Chile, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, are coordinating the response with WHO and partners.
WHO said “international contact tracing involving partners is ongoing,” while passengers onboard have been advised to remain in cabins where possible and practice physical distancing.
Experts from WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control are currently aboard the vessel providing public health guidance.
WHO warned that hantavirus infections can carry a high fatality rate and urged passengers and contacts to monitor symptoms for up to 42 days after possible exposure.
The post International News: World Health Organization reports multi-country Hantavirus Outbreak linked to cruise ship, 3 dead appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The World Health Organization (WHO) says a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship has resulted in eight reported cases and three deaths across multiple countries as international health authorities continue contact tracing and investigations. In its latest update issued on May 8, WHO confirmed that six of the cases tested positive
The post International News: World Health Organization reports multi-country Hantavirus Outbreak linked to cruise ship, 3 dead appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.