Eight cases, including three deaths, have been reported so far following the hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius , WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus said in a press conference. "Five of these are confirmed cases, while the other three are suspected," Ghebreyesus added.
WHO Director Tedros also said that in previous outbreaks, human-to-human transmission of hantavirus had occurred only through "prolonged contact," which he said was also the case in this instance.
The WHO is currently aware of reports of other people with symptoms who may have come into contact with the passengers and is monitoring the situation with the relevant authorities. Given the incubation period for this disease, which can be up to six weeks, it is possible that further infections will be reported , the WHO Director-General concluded, emphasizing that while the WHO assesses the situation as "serious," the health risk is still considered "low."
(Unioneonline)