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Three passengers dead on Atlantic cruise ship from suspected hantavirus outbreak, WHO says

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An outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has been confirmed by the WHO, resulting in at least three deaths and one patient in intensive care in South Africa. The incident involved passengers of various nationalities, including Dutch and British, and a laboratory‑confirmed case of hantavirus has been identified. Authorities are investigating the source of the outbreak and monitoring other passengers for symptoms.

    1. WHO is facilitating co-ordination 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.
    2. Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing, and epidemiological investigations.
    3. Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa.
    4. To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases.
    1. There is no need for (the) public to panic.
    1. We are closely monitoring reports of a potential hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship Hondius and stand ready to support British nationals if needed. We are in touch with the cruise company and local authorities.
    1. While severe in some cases, it is not easily transmitted between people.
    2. The risk to the wider public remains low. There is no need for panic or travel restrictions.
    1. The body of the deceased individual is also planned to be included in this repatriation, along with a guest closely associated with the deceased.
    2. Strict precautionary measures are in process onboard, including isolation measures, hygiene protocols and medical monitoring.
    3. The exact cause and any possible connection are being investigated.
    4. Nor has it been established that the virus is connected to the three deaths associated with this voyage.
    5. At this time, it has not been confirmed that these two deaths are connected to the current medical situation onboard.
    6. On 24 April, this passenger was disembarked on St Helena, with his wife accompanying the repatriation.
    1. Early in the illness, you really may not be able to tell the difference between hantavirus and having the flu.
    1. We don't have a definitive antiviral [drug] that works really well.
Three passengers dead on Atlantic cruise ship from suspected hantavirus outbreak, WHO says