Hantavirus is found all over the world and usually spreads when someone comes into contact with feces or urine from infected rodents such as mice and rats.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus “begins with an incubation period of 1 to 8 weeks, followed by abrupt flu-like symptoms, including high fever (101-104°F), intense muscle aches (thighs, hips, back), fatigue, and headache.”
The virus sometimes causes a fatal lung infection, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, because there is no specific treatment or cure; however, chances of survival can be increased with early medication.
For those who don’t know, a suspected outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has claimed the lives of three people, while one remains in intensive care.
Laboratory tests have confirmed one case, while five are reportedly infected with the virus, but this has yet to be confirmed, according to the World Health Organization.
On Sunday, April 3, the World Health Organization issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) saying: “WHO is aware of and supports a public health event involving a cruise ship operating in the Atlantic Ocean.”
“To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five further suspected cases. Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa.”
The Geneva-based United Nations agency has conducted an investigation to determine the cause of the ongoing health crisis on a cruise ship.
In a conversation with the Reuters news agency, a spokesperson for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the deaths of two Dutch passengers; However, no details were shared.
