WHO confirms five cases of hantavirus linked to cruise ship
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed five cases of hantavirus on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, with three more cases suspected and three people dead. The hantavirus strain involved is the Andes virus, which can sometimes spread between people, but the WHO says the overall risk to public health is low.Key Facts
- Eight cases of hantavirus have been reported on the Hondius cruise ship; five confirmed and three suspected.
- Three passengers have died from the hantavirus infection.
- The virus strain is the Andes virus, found mainly in Latin America.
- The Andes virus can spread between people but usually requires close, prolonged contact.
- The first victims had recently traveled in Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay, where infected rodents live.
- The WHO is working with Argentina and sending test kits to labs in five countries.
- The WHO has informed 12 countries about the outbreak because passengers came from those nations.
- The incubation period for hantavirus can be up to six weeks, so more cases may appear.
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