The World Health Organization (WHO) has released an Alert announcing it is “aware of and supporting” a public health event that involves a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean.
The World Health Governing Body made known, hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and three (3) have already been confirmed dead, and one (1) remains in intensive care in South Africa.
The Alert reads: “To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases. Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa.”
Serious investigations are taking place, encompassing more laboratory testing, and passengers and crew are receiving medical care.
According to the Alert: “Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing, and epidemiological investigations. Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew. Sequencing of the virus is also ongoing.”
Commonly, hantavirus infections are connected to environmental exposure to “infected rodents’ urine or faeces”, WHO said; it added, hantavirus may circulate between people and result to “severe respiratory illness”.
The Alert further reads: “Hantavirus infections are typically linked to environmental exposure (exposure to infected rodents’ urine or faeces). While rare, hantavirus may spread between people, and can lead to severe respiratory illness and requires careful patient monitoring, support and response.”
WHO revealed, it is assisting coordination between Member States and the Ship’s operators to medically evacuate two (2) passengers who are symptomatic as it expressed gratitude for quick actions against the virus. It further revealed, a “Disease Outbreak News” will be issued for the public.
It said: “WHO is facilitating coordination between Member States and the Ship’s operators for medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, as well as full public health risk assessment and support to the remaining passengers on board.
“WHO is grateful for the rapid actions and coordination.
“We have informed our National Focal Points according to the International Health Regulations and a Disease Outbreak News for the public will be issued.”
