Following seven cases of the Hanta Virus reported, the World Health Organisation said the outbreak is being managed through coordinated international response with investigations ongoing as well as case isolation and care.
Human
Hantavirus infection is through contact with the urine, faeces, or saliva of
infected rodents.
“It is a rare but severe disease that can be deadly. Although
uncommon, limited human to human transmission has been reported in previous
outbreaks of Andes virus” says World Health Organisation.
Picture: Pixabay According
to the World Health Organisation, on Saturday, 2 May 2026, passengers with severe respiratory illness aboard a cruise
ship was reported to the World Health Organization. The ship was carrying 147
passengers and crew.
“Three suspected cases reported
high fever and/or gastrointestinal symptoms and remain on board. Medical teams
in Cabo Verde are evaluating the patients and collecting additional specimens
for testing”, WHO.
In total, seven cases have
been identified, including three deaths, one critically ill patient and three
individuals reporting mild symptoms. WHO reports that illness onset occurred
between 6 and 28 April 2026 with symptoms including fever, gastrointestinal
symptoms, rapid progression to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome
and shock.
The organisation said further
investigations are ongoing.
Done
By: Elona Sibunzi
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