Amid concerns of a potential pandemic, a warning about the hantavirus has been issued by a top official at the World Health Organization (WHO). The alert follows an outbreak on a cruise ship, the Dutch MV Hondius, which departed from Argentina to Cape Verde, off the coast of West Africa. Illnesses among passengers began in early April, with three fatalities reported so far.
Lab tests have confirmed three cases and identified eight other suspected infections. Symptoms of the virus include fever, gastrointestinal problems, pneumonia, shock, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Despite the seriousness of the situation, WHO officials emphasized that the risk to the public remains low and sought to allay concerns about further spread.
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove clarified that the hantavirus is distinct from the coronavirus, emphasizing that the current outbreak is confined to the ship with five confirmed cases. WHO is closely monitoring the situation and providing information to address public concerns.
Seven British nationals who disembarked at St Helena on April 24 are being monitored, with two individuals self-isolating in the UK. Authorities are in contact with health officials to manage potential contacts. The first hantavirus cases were linked to passengers who visited Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, areas known to host rats carrying the virus.
WHO is collaborating with Argentine authorities to track the couple’s movements. The risk of further spread is deemed low as the cruise ship continues its journey towards the Canary Islands.