WHO says hantavirus risk remains low after deadly cruise ship outbreak

The World Health Organization said Friday that the hazard of a wider hantavirus outbreak remains “extremely low” aft three passengers died aboard the cruise vessel MV Hondius during an outbreak that infected astatine slightest 5 people.

WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said the virus is unsafe for those infected but poses small menace to the wide public, stressing it is not easy transmissible betwixt humans. “This is not a caller Covid,” helium told reporters successful Geneva, noting that adjacent some cabinmates of infected passengers did not declaration the virus.

The Hondius, operated by Dutch institution Oceanwide Expeditions, departed Ushuaia, Argentina, connected April 1 and is sailing toward Tenerife successful Spain’s Canary Islands aft respective days disconnected Cape Verde, where three radical were evacuated by specialist teams.

WHO said Thursday that 5 cases had been confirmed and three others stay suspected. The fatalities included a Dutch mates and a German passenger.

The vessel is expected to get successful Tenerife connected Sunday, where astir 150 remaining passengers and unit are expected to disembark under aesculapian supervision. Health officials said the strain identified aboard the vessel spreads lone done adjacent and prolonged contact. [Kathimerini/Reuters]