The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed five cases of hantavirus linked to a cruise ship outbreak, with three additional cases suspected. The WHO has informed 12 countries whose nationals disembarked the cruise ship MV Hondius earlier during the voyage at the remote British territory of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean.
According to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the agency currently expects the outbreak to remain “limited” if appropriate public health measures are implemented quickly and effectively. However, he warned that additional cases remain possible as authorities continue tracing exposed passengers and contacts across multiple countries.
Hantavirus Outbreak: What You Need to Know
The hantavirus outbreak has sparked global concern, with the WHO working closely with affected countries to contain the spread of the virus. The World Health Organization has shipped around 2,500 hantavirus diagnostic kits to five countries to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of the virus.
There are 149 people on the MV Hondius, with 23 nationalities on board. Two suspected hantavirus patients were evacuated from the cruise ship and are currently awaiting a replacement aircraft in Spain’s Canary Islands after a technical malfunction. The aircraft had departed from Cape Verde and was originally expected to refuel in the western Moroccan city of Marrakesh en route to Amsterdam.
Countries Affected by the Outbreak
The following countries have been informed of the outbreak: Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the situation on board to determine which individuals require urgent evacuation in Cape Verde. The remaining passengers and crew will continue to the Canary Islands, with arrival expected within three to four days.
- 5 confirmed cases of hantavirus
- 12 countries informed of the outbreak
- 2,500 hantavirus diagnostic kits shipped to five countries
- 149 people on the MV Hondius, with 23 nationalities on board
