Geneva, May 10: The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that all individuals aboard a cruise ship linked to a hantavirus outbreak are considered to be at “high risk.” Consequently, these individuals will require continuous monitoring for a period of 42 days.
Maria Van Kerkhove, director of the WHO’s Pandemic and Epidemic Department, stated in a media briefing that every person on the ship is regarded as a high-risk contact. Currently, no passengers or crew members are showing symptoms of the illness. However, it is essential for all travelers and staff disembarking from the ship to undergo health checks and monitoring for 42 days.
She clarified that the threat to the general public and residents of Spain’s Canary Islands remains low, despite the ship’s scheduled arrival there on Sunday.
According to the WHO’s “Disease Outbreak News” update on Saturday, the first cases of severe respiratory illness on the cruise ship were reported on May 2. At that time, there were 147 passengers and crew members on board, with 34 individuals having already disembarked. The WHO has informed all relevant contact points in the affected countries, and efforts are underway to trace and test those who may have come into contact with infected individuals.
As of May 8, a total of eight people have exhibited symptoms of the illness, with three fatalities reported. Six cases have been confirmed as hantavirus infections caused by the Andes virus (ANDV). The WHO has urged affected countries to maintain coordination in identifying, treating, and implementing measures to prevent the spread of the infection while providing accurate information to the public.
Initial symptoms of hantavirus infection may include headaches, dizziness, chills, fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
The WHO also indicated that the possibility of transmission before symptoms appear cannot be entirely ruled out in previous cases. Therefore, even individuals at lower risk are advised to monitor their health, consult a doctor if necessary, and wear masks if symptoms develop.
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