Hantavirus alarm worldwide: Number of cases continues to rise

Hantavirus cases that emerged on the passenger ship MV Hondius, which was sailing in the South Atlantic, have put international health authorities on alert. It was reported that three people have lost their lives on the ship, which was heading from Argentina to Cabo Verde, and that infection is suspected in a large number of passengers.

Authorities are focusing on the Andes-type hantavirus, which is of Latin American origin, and pointed out that this virus can be transmitted from person to person through close contact. It was announced that the infection has also been confirmed in some passengers who were evacuated from the ship.

It was stated that the ship has been diverted to the Canary Islands in order to be brought under control and will undergo comprehensive health screenings there.

EU AND WHO CLOSELY MONITORING THE PROCESS

The European Union made a statement following the growing public concern after the hantavirus cases emerged on the MV Hondius. EU Commission Spokesperson Eva Hrncirova stated that, based on current data, the risk level for the European public is low.

While Hrncirova stated that there is no situation at this stage to cause panic, she said that the process is being monitored more closely after a cabin crew member working for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was hospitalized in Amsterdam with symptoms of hantavirus.

EU officials announced that they have been acting in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and member states since the first cases emerged.

Announcing that an expert has been sent to the ship by the ECDC, Hrncirova noted that the expert team is continuing its investigations and that developments are being followed moment by moment. Stating that possible risks in Europe are being evaluated in detail, the EU spokesperson expressed that they are ready to take all necessary measures.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION: NUMBER OF CASES RISES TO 7

Following the developments that have caused widespread repercussions in the international public, the World Health Organization announced that the number of people diagnosed with the deadly hantavirus has risen to 7.

Authorities reported that the contact chain on the ship is being examined in detail and that possible new cases are being tracked.

TURKISH COUPLE STRANDED ON THE SHIP

It was learned that nature photographer Emin Yoğurtçuoğlu and his wife were among the passengers on the ship.

In a post on his social media account, Yoğurtçuoğlu stated that no new cases have been seen on the ship and that some patients have been evacuated. It was stated that the Turkish couple is also being kept on the ship as part of the quarantine process.

ALLEGATION THAT 23 PASSENGERS DISPERSED TO DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

The investigation into the outbreak originating from the MV Hondius has expanded further with new developments. Information that at least 23 passengers left the ship on Saint Helena Island without any official warning and dispersed to different continents after three people lost their lives on the ship has increased international concern.

Authorities announced that a large-scale investigation has been launched to determine the contact chain of these passengers. The possibility that the outbreak may have crossed the ship's borders is being considered.

NEW ALARM IN THE NETHERLANDS

A new development on the South Africa–Netherlands route has also mobilized health authorities.

It was reported that a 69-year-old Dutch passenger who was not allowed on a plane in Johannesburg due to their health condition passed away due to hantavirus. It was announced that a cabin crew member determined to have been in contact with this person has been quarantined and is being kept under observation in Amsterdam.

Health authorities have expanded contact tracing to clarify the possible transmission chain. The possibility that the incident may be linked to the outbreak that started on the ship is being considered.

HANTAVIRUS WARNING FROM EXPERTS

Experts reminded that hantavirus can be transmitted especially through contact with rodents.

While it was stated that people showing symptoms should apply to health institutions without delay, it was expressed that the true scale of the outbreak is expected to become clear with tests to be conducted in the coming days.

News Source: 12punto