Hantavirus

WHO Confirms Six Hantavirus Cases So Far

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced six confirmed cases of Hantavirus so far, out of eight suspected cases, following an outbreak on a cruise ship.

In a statement, the UN agency said, "As of May 8, a total of eight cases have been reported, including three deaths (case fatality rate of 38%). Six cases have been laboratory confirmed as Hantavirus infections, all identified as the Andes virus (ANDV) strain."

The statement added that "the WHO assesses the risk to the global population of this event as low and will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation and update the risk assessment." The organization clarified that "the risk to passengers and crew members on board the ship is considered moderate."

There are no vaccines or specific treatment.

The World Health Organization reassured the public on Thursday that the Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship that has claimed three lives does not constitute the "start of a pandemic" or "epidemic." The three passengers who died since the start of the voyage were a German woman and a Dutch couple who had toured South America before embarking on the cruise.

There are no vaccines or specific treatment for this virus, which is typically spread through contact with infected rodents, particularly their urine, feces, and saliva. The Andean strain found on the infected passengers is the only one known to be transmitted from person to person.

The MV Hondus has been sailing across the Atlantic Ocean since April 1st, on a voyage from Cape Verde to the Canary Islands, where the remaining passengers and crew, numbering around 150, will be monitored before being allowed to return home.