health
WHO Director-General: Hantavirus Cases Assessed as Low Public Health Risk
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated regarding eight cases of hantavirus infection on the cruise ship "MV Hondius" that the WHO assesses it as a low risk to public health, the organization announced.
TL;DR
- Eight cases of hantavirus infection have been reported on the cruise ship MV Hondius.
- Three of the reported cases have been fatal.
- The WHO assesses the public health risk as low, despite the potential for further cases.
- The specific hantavirus identified is the Andes virus, known for limited human-to-human transmission.
- The WHO is collaborating with multiple countries under the International Health Regulations (IHR).
- Hantavirus is a rare disease transmitted by rodents, usually through inhaling contaminated droppings.
- The MV Hondius sailed via Cape Verde and arrived at the Canary Islands.