A suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in South Africa has resulted in multiple deaths and ongoing investigations into the virus’s transmission. A 69-year-old UK national is in intensive care, while a Dutch woman who was also present has died. Two crew members are experiencing respiratory symptoms and fever.
Key facts:
- Hantaviruses are primarily found in rodents and can infect humans.
- The specific hantavirus involved in the current outbreak has not yet been identified.
- Symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches.
- The risk to the general population in Europe from this outbreak is considered very low.
Public health authorities are implementing infection prevention measures aboard the ship. These include monitoring for rodent exposure and ensuring proper sanitation. Experts emphasize that hantaviruses are typically linked to environmental exposure from rodents.
Dr. Yomani Sarathkumara noted that hantavirus infections were “really rare in humans.” Associate Prof Vinod Balasubramaniam added that these infections typically stem from rodent exposure rather than human-to-human transmission. However, it is unclear whether the current outbreak resulted from environmental exposure or person-to-person contact.
The incubation period for hantaviruses can range from one to eight weeks. As investigations continue, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is monitoring the situation closely and remains in contact with national public health authorities.
