MADRID (AP) — More than 25 passengers from at least 12 countries recently disembarked from a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak. This came nearly two weeks after the first passenger, a Dutch woman, tragically died on board.
Health authorities across four continents are now tracing these passengers and monitoring those who returned home on April 24. Experts believe the risk of the virus spreading widely is low since hantavirus typically spreads via contact with contaminated rodent droppings, not through human interaction.
In a concerning development, a flight attendant in South Africa, who briefly interacted with the infected passenger, is showing symptoms and is now being tested in a hospital isolation ward. If confirmed, this could mark the first known case of hantavirus transmission outside the cruise ship.
As of now, three passengers have died in connection with the outbreak, and several others are experiencing symptoms. These usually emerge one to eight weeks after exposure.
The first confirmed case on the ship appeared on May 2, and that individual is currently in intensive care in South Africa.
Passengers who left at the remote island of St. Helena are of mixed nationalities. Reports say that at least one man who disembarked there later tested positive in Switzerland, raising concerns about further potential cases. Singaporean authorities are also monitoring two individuals who flew home from South Africa after disembarking.
British health officials are tracking passengers who showed no symptoms but are self-isolating as a precaution. In St. Helena, local authorities are advising some individuals deemed higher risk to isolate for 45 days.
Meanwhile, the cruise ship is making its way to Spain’s Canary Islands, carrying over 140 passengers and crew members. The captain has reported improved morale among those still on board.
This outbreak underscores the importance of vigilant public health responses. For instance, the Andes strain of hantavirus, responsible for most severe cases, can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition affecting the lungs. According to Argentina’s health ministry, last year saw a spike in hantavirus deaths, emphasizing the ongoing concern regarding this virus.
Tragically, the ship’s journey began in Argentina, where investigations are looking into the outbreak’s origins. The Dutch couple who first fell ill traveled extensively in South America before boarding. As experts assess the situation, the focus remains on ensuring that all potential contacts are monitored and that preventive measures are in place to avoid further spread.
For more detailed information on hantavirus, visit the World Health Organization website.
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