Cruise Ship Passengers Test Positive for Hantavirus in Latest Outbreak

Two Passengers Test Positive for Hantavirus After Evacuation from Cruise Ship in Canary Islands

A French woman and an American man have tested positive for hantavirus after being evacuated from a cruise ship anchored near the Canary Island of Tenerife. The French Health Minister, Stephanie Rist, confirmed that one passenger has shown signs of deterioration, while another has mild symptoms.

According to health authorities, 22 contact cases have been identified, and four other French passengers have tested negative for the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported two confirmed deaths and one probable death, with four people hospitalized in South Africa.

The MV Hondius cruise ship was stranded near Tenerife after an outbreak of hantavirus on board. Passengers who disembarked from the ship were being monitored by health authorities before the outbreak was identified. Investigations into the source of the outbreak are ongoing.

As part of the repatriation efforts, flights to Australia and the Netherlands will evacuate passengers from the cruise ship. The US Department of Health and Human Services has reported two new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 10.

Health experts have emphasized the need for calm, noting that the virus is less contagious than COVID-19. The WHO has recommended a quarantine period of 42 days for the affected passengers.

Source: Al Jazeera