The World Health Organization has announced the possibility of a suspected hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship operating on the Argentina–Cape Verde route.
Hantavirus is a type of zoonotic RNA virus primarily transmitted through rodents (rats, mice) that can cause severe respiratory (HPS) or kidney (HFRS) failure in humans by damaging blood vessel walls.
According to Medianews.az, as a result of the incident, 3 people have died, 1 infection has been confirmed, and 5 suspected cases are being investigated.
It is reported that there are approximately 150 passengers on the ship, and the ship is currently stopped near the port of Praia, where inspections are being carried out.
Hantavirus is mainly transmitted through rodents and human-to-human transmission is rare. How the infection occurred is still being clarified.
Some experts note that the closed environment on cruise ships may facilitate the spread of infections, but this mode of transmission for hantavirus is considered unusual. It is recommended that passengers showing symptoms be evacuated immediately.
Medianews.az