Hantavirus is found worldwide and is usually spread when a person comes into contact with the feces or urine of infected rodents, such as rats and mice.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus “begins with a 1-8 week incubation, followed by sudden flu-like symptoms including high fever (101-104°F), intense muscle pain (thigh, hip, back), fatigue, and headache.”
The virus sometimes causes a fatal lung infection called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, as there is no specific treatment or cure; However, early medication can increase the chances of survival.
For those unaware, a suspected Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has killed three people, while one is in the intensive care unit.
According to the World Health Organization, one case has been confirmed in laboratory testing, while five are reportedly infected with the virus but have not yet been confirmed.
On Sunday, April 3, the World Health Organization released a statement on
“To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional 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 launched an investigation to find out the root cause of the ongoing health crisis on a cruise ship.
in conversation with reuters news agency, a spokesperson for the Dutch Foreign Ministry confirmed the deaths of two Dutch passengers; However, no details were shared.
