“More cases possible…”- Panic as WHO confirms Hantavirus outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed five cases of hantavirus linked to a cruise ship currently sailing in the Atlantic Ocean, while three additional suspected cases are still under investigation.

WHO Speaks on Outbreak

Speaking during a virtual media briefing on Thursday, WHO Director-General said the organisation had been informed by the United Kingdom about “a cluster of passengers with severe respiratory illness” aboard the Hondius cruise ship.

The Dutch-flagged vessel was travelling from Cape Verde to Tenerife when the outbreak was detected.

“While this is a serious incident, WHO assesses the public health risk as low,” Tedros said during the briefing.

According to the WHO chief, eight cases have been reported so far, including three deaths, five confirmed infections and three suspected cases linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed five cases of hantavirus linked to a cruise ship currently sailing in the Atlantic Ocean, while three additional suspected cases are still under investigation.

WHO Speaks on Outbreak

Speaking during a virtual media briefing on Thursday, WHO Director-General said the organisation had been informed by the United Kingdom about “a cluster of passengers with severe respiratory illness” aboard the Hondius cruise ship.

The Dutch-flagged vessel was travelling from Cape Verde to Tenerife when the outbreak was detected.

“While this is a serious incident, WHO assesses the public health risk as low,” Tedros said during the briefing.

According to the WHO chief, eight cases have been reported so far, including three deaths, five confirmed infections and three suspected cases linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus.