Andes hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship kills three passengers

Andes hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship kills three passengers

A recent outbreak of Andes hantavirus on a cruise ship has resulted in the deaths of three passengers. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak over, following the completion of quarantine and testing of all contacts. The outbreak, which occurred on the MV Hondius cruise ship, was caused by the Andes virus, a rare hantavirus strain that primarily circulates in Argentina and Chile. According to the WHO, a total of 13 cases of Andes hantavirus were reported, including three deaths. The cases were reported among passengers and crew members who were on board the ship, which departed from Argentina on April 1. The WHO has stated that the outbreak is being managed through a coordinated international response, including comprehensive epidemiological investigations, case isolation and clinical management, medical evacuations, laboratory testing, and international contact tracing. The organization has also emphasized that the risk of an epidemic is low, as previous outbreaks have only involved transmission in close-contact settings. The Andes virus is the only known hantavirus to spread between humans, and it is typically transmitted through close, sustained contact between people. The virus can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe illness affecting the heart and lungs with an incubation period of one to seven weeks. The WHO has reported that the mean incubation period for the Andes virus is 22 days, corresponding to a probability of safe release from quarantine of 96% at 42 days. The organization has recommended 42 days of quarantine for high-risk contacts and self-monitoring for low-risk contacts. The WHO has declared the outbreak over, following the completion of quarantine and testing of all contacts. The organization has stated that the risk at the global level is assessed as low, and that people who were on board the affected ship, or who have had close contact with a confirmed case, should follow national health advice. The WHO has advised States Parties involved in this event to continue coordinated public health management efforts related to the management of cases and contacts associated with the affected ship and flights, as well as in countries where cases and/or contacts have been identified. The organization has also recommended a precautionary approach for management of the outbreak related to the ship, with focus on total containment to minimize the onward risk of transmission to other persons.