London, May 8: Two British citizens have been confirmed to have contracted hantavirus on Tristan da Cunha, an island in the South Atlantic Ocean. Another individual is suspected of having the infection, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
The agency reported that currently, no British passengers or crew aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius are showing symptoms of the illness. However, all individuals are under close monitoring. Upon the ship’s return to the UK, all British passengers and crew members will be required to isolate for 45 days.
As per news agency Xinhua, British government officials will be present at the port of Tenerife in Spain when the ship arrives on Sunday to assist British citizens disembarking.
The agency also noted that seven British citizens disembarked from the ship on April 24 at Saint Helena Island in the South Atlantic. Two of them have returned to the UK and are currently in isolation at home, showing no symptoms of the infection. The remaining four are still on Saint Helena, while the whereabouts of the seventh individual have been traced outside the UK.
On Thursday, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that out of eight cases identified on the MV Hondius, five have tested positive for hantavirus, while the other three are considered suspected cases. The WHO clarified that this dangerous hantavirus infection does not signal the beginning of a new pandemic similar to COVID-19, and the current risk to the general public is low.
Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States has declared the hantavirus situation a “Level 3” emergency, indicating the lowest level of threat. According to a report by ABC News on Thursday, this means that the risk to the general public is currently minimal, but health agencies are closely monitoring the situation.
The WHO reiterated on Thursday that five confirmed cases of hantavirus infection have been identified among the eight cases on the MV Hondius, while investigations are ongoing for the other three cases. The organization emphasized that this situation does not mark the beginning of a global pandemic similar to COVID-19, and there is no need for public alarm at this time.
–
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment