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WHO: All Aboard Hantavirus-Hit Ship Are High-Risk Contacts

The WHO has classified all individuals aboard a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak as high-risk contacts. They recommend active monitoring for 42 days for all passengers and crew who disembark. As of May 8, eight symptomatic cases and three deaths have been reported, with six cases confirmed as Andes virus hantavirus. The WHO stresses that the risk to the public in the Canary Islands remains low.

Key Points: Hantavirus Outbreak: WHO Says All on Ship Are High-Risk

  • WHO declares all on hantavirus-hit ship as high-risk contacts
  • 42-day active monitoring recommended for passengers and crew
  • 8 symptomatic cases reported, including 3 deaths
  • Risk to public in Canary Islands remains low
2 min read

WHO calls everyone aboard hantavirus-hit ship 'high-risk' contacts

WHO classifies all aboard a hantavirus-affected cruise ship as high-risk contacts, recommending 42-day monitoring after 3 deaths and 8 cases.

"We classify everybody on board as what we call a high-risk contact - Maria Van Kerkhove"

Geneva, May 10

The World Health Organization said that all people aboard a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak should be considered "high-risk" contacts and actively monitored for 42 days.

"We classify everybody on board as what we call a high-risk contact," Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention, told a media briefing. She noted that currently "nobody on board has any symptoms," but recommended "active monitoring and follow-up of all the passengers and crew who disembark for a 42-day period."

However, she stressed that the risk to the public and people in the Canary Islands, where the MV Hondius is expected to dock on Sunday, remains "low."

According to a WHO Disease Outbreak News update on Saturday, severe respiratory illness was first reported on the cruise ship on 2 May. At the time, there were 147 passengers and crew members onboard, while 34 others had already disembarked. All WHO's contact points in concerned countries have been informed and are supporting international contact tracing, Xinhua news agency reported.

As of May 8, eight symptomatic cases have been reported, including three deaths. Six cases are laboratory-confirmed as Andes virus (ANDV) hantavirus infections.

The WHO urged the countries involved to continue public health coordination, including contact tracing, case management, infection prevention and transparent communication.

Early symptoms of hantavirus infection include headache, dizziness, chills, fever, myalgia, and gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, according to the WHO.

Given that pre-symptomatic transmission in past ADNV outbreaks cannot be entirely ruled out, WHO also recommends self-monitoring, medical evaluation and mask-wearing for low-risk contacts if symptoms occur.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The way WHO is handling this is commendable. Transparent communication and active monitoring are exactly what we need. But why is this outbreak happening now? Makes you wonder about cruise ship safety protocols worldwide. 🧐
V
Vikram M
Three deaths already... that's serious. 😔 Hantavirus is not something we hear about often in India, but this shows how diseases can spread globally. International cooperation for contact tracing is crucial.
A
Ananya R
While WHO's response seems prompt, I wonder about the economic impact on the cruise industry. But health always comes first. Also, 42 days seems quite long - is it scientifically proven for hantavirus incubation period? 🤔
R
Rohit P
Gotta say, I'm grateful for our public health system here in India. After handling COVID, we know the drill - contact tracing, monitoring, masks. Hope the Canary Islands manage this well. Stay safe everyone! 🙏
K
Kavya N
I'm actually concerned about the 34 people who already disembarked before the outbreak was recognized. 😰 They might be spreading it unknowingly. WHO's recommendation for self-monitoring and masks for low-risk contacts makes complete sense.
S
Siddharth J
Interesting how WHO is classifying everyone as '

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