Cruise ship Hantavirus outbreak poses little risk to wider public
Cruise ship Hantavirus outbreak leaves three dead as WHO steps into action
The rare and deadly Hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship prompted a WHO international public health response after passengers developed severe respiratory illness during a voyage across the South Atlantic.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed seven cases of illness, including two laboratory-confirmed Hantavirus infections and three deaths aboard the ship. One critically ill patient is being treated in intensive care in South Africa after testing positive for hantavirus through PCR analysis.
The ship departed from Argentina on 1 April and travelled through remote destinations, including mainland Antarctica and was on its way to Cabo Verde, where it is currently anchored.
“WHO Regional Office for Europe is working with the countries involved to support medical care, evacuation, investigations and public health risk assessment,” said WHO/Europe Regional Director Hans Kluge. “I am in close contact with our teams to ensure a coordinated, science-based response. I thank the South African authorities for their rapid support, including care for a UK patient.”
Dr Maria van Kerkhove, Acting Director Epidemic and Pandemic Management, WHO, briefs journalists on the outbreak of Hantavirus.
At a press briefing today (5 May), WHO Director of Epidemic and Pandemic Management, Dr Maria van Kerkhove said the organisation is working closely with authorities in the Netherlands, Cabo Verde, South Africa, Spain and the United Kingdom to coordinate medical evacuations, laboratory testing and public health measures aboard the cruise ship. She also confirmed that contact tracing is ongoing for passengers, crew, and others with potential exposures, while epidemiological investigations continue to determine the source of infection.
WHO advises that passengers should remain vigilant for Hantavirus symptoms and undertake monitoring for 45 days. There are no specific treatments or vaccines, but early supportive care and immediate referral to an intensive care unit can improve chances of survival.
Both Kluge and van Kerkhove said that the risk to the wider public remained low and that there was no need for panic or travel restrictions.