Monday briefing: Will the international effort to stop the further spread of hantavirus be successful?
Summary
A deadly hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius has led to nine probable cases and three deaths. Health experts and authorities are working to track and isolate passengers and crew to stop the virus from spreading worldwide.Key Facts
- The hantavirus outbreak was first reported to the World Health Organization on May 2.
- Nine probable cases and three deaths have been linked to the virus so far.
- The MV Hondius cruise ship had 149 people onboard when the virus was identified.
- At least 29 passengers from 12 different countries, including seven British citizens, left the ship before it was quarantined.
- The ship was denied docking in Cape Verde and later anchored near Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
- Remaining passengers, including 22 British nationals, disembarked under controlled conditions and some were taken to a hospital in Merseyside for isolation.
- The virus strain matches a known hantavirus type, which helps experts in controlling the spread.
- Dr. Charlotte Hammer, an infectious disease expert, is involved in the investigation and containment efforts.
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