health
These are the countries affected by the international hantavirus outbreak
Hantavirus has once again raised international health alerts after infections were confirmed in six countries related to an outbreak detected on the cruise ship MV Hondius.
TL;DR
- Hantavirus cases confirmed in six countries (Netherlands, UK, Germany, Switzerland, France, US) linked to an outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed six positive cases and one probable case, with three deaths reported.
- The detected strain is suspected to be the Andes variant, which can be transmitted between humans.
- Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, fatigue, and respiratory problems, potentially leading to severe pneumonia.
- The cruise ship departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1st.
- The Netherlands is the most affected country with two tourist deaths and an infected ship doctor.
- The UK has two confirmed cases and one probable case, with one patient in intensive care in South Africa.
- Germany reported a death from pneumonia confirmed as hantavirus.
- Switzerland, France, and the US have also reported cases among passengers.
- International health authorities are monitoring passengers and crew and tracing contacts to curb further transmission.