The World Health Organization has confirmed eight cases of Andes hantavirus infection among passengers on a cruise ship, with two probable cases and one inconclusive case, resulting in three deaths.
The World Health Organization has confirmed that eight people infected in the hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship have tested positive for the Andes virus, which is the only strain of the virus that can be transmitted between humans. This latest update from the UN health agency brings the total number of confirmed cases to eight, with two probable cases and one case that remains inconclusive and is undergoing further testing.
The outbreak has resulted in the deaths of three people from the ship, with two of the victims having confirmed Andes virus infections and the third listed as a probable case. The WHO has all known cases in the current outbreak were people aboard the cruise ship, and the case listed as inconclusive is an American passenger who was repatriated to the United States and is currently asymptomatic.
Hantavirus is typically spread through the urine, feces, and saliva of infected rodents, and there are no vaccines or specific treatments available for the rare disease. The WHO has maintained its assessment of the public-health risk from the outbreak at moderate for those who were on the ship and low for the rest of the world. The origin of the outbreak is still unknown, but the WHO believes that the original infection occurred before the cruise, as the first victim started showing symptoms on April 6, which is within the virus's incubation period of one to six weeks.
The WHO's investigation into the outbreak is ongoing, and the agency is working to determine the source of the infection and prevent further spread of the disease. The fact that the Andes virus is the only strain of hantavirus that can be transmitted between humans has raised concerns about the potential for further spread of the disease. However, the WHO has the risk of transmission is relatively low, and the agency is taking steps to monitor the situation and provide guidance to those who may have been exposed to the virus.
The outbreak has highlighted the importance of being aware of the risks of infectious diseases, particularly when traveling to areas where such diseases are common. The WHO has advised people to take precautions to avoid exposure to rodents and their droppings, and to seek medical attention immediately if they experience any symptoms of hantavirus infection. As the investigation into the outbreak continues, the WHO will provide updates on the situation and any additional guidance that may be necessary to prevent further spread of the disease.
