Cape Town, South Africa
A suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship within the Atlantic Ocean has killed three folks and sickened at the least three others, the World Health Organization mentioned Sunday.
In a press release to The Associated Press, the WHO mentioned an investigation was underway however that at the least one case of hantavirus had been confirmed.
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One of the sufferers was in intensive care in a South African hospital, the UN’s well being company mentioned, including that it was working with authorities to evacuate two different passengers with signs from the ship.
“Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing, and epidemiological investigations,” WHO mentioned. “Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew. Sequencing of the virus is also ongoing.”
Hantavirus infections are sometimes linked to publicity to the feces or urine of contaminated rodents, WHO mentioned. While uncommon, WHO mentioned they are often unfold between folks and so they can result in extreme respiratory sickness.
There is not any particular remedy or remedy, however early medical consideration can enhance the prospect of survival.
WHO didn’t establish the vessel, however South African media stories mentioned the outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius cruise ship whereas it was crusing from Argentina to Cape Verde off the coast of West Africa.
The MarineTraffic international transport web site recognized the vessel as a Dutch-flagged passenger cruise ship. It positioned it as docked in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on Sunday evening.
South African media, quoting South African well being division spokesperson Foster Mohale, mentioned the primary sufferer, an aged man, died on the ship. His spouse later died in a South African hospital, Mohale mentioned.
Hantavirus was within the information after the late actor Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from hantavirus an infection in New Mexico final 12 months. Hackman died every week later at their residence.