Authorities have confirmed at least one case of hantavirus, a rare infection associated with rodents that can cause serious respiratory problems.
Three dead after an outbreak on an international cruise ship
An outbreak of illness on the cruise ship MV Hondius has left three people deceased and at least five additional cases under suspicion, in an episode that is being investigated by health authorities.
The ship was en route between Argentina and Cape Verde when the first cases were detected. For the moment, the situation is still developing and the authorities have not closed the definitive diagnosis of all those affected.
According to Sky News, at least one of the cases has been confirmed as hantavirus.
What is hantavirus and why is it a concern
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious illness. It is usually transmitted through contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents.
In most cases, the infection is not easily transmitted between people, although documented exceptions exist. The main risk is that it can lead to severe respiratory syndrome.
The initial symptoms may seem mild -fever, fatigue, or muscle aches-, but in some cases they rapidly evolve towards severe respiratory difficulties.
Investigation Underway Aboard MV Hondius
Authorities are investigating the origin of the outbreak and the real extent of the infections on board the cruise ship.
The fact that at least one case of hantavirus has been confirmed has activated health surveillance protocols, especially because it is a closed environment like a ship, where the spread of diseases can accelerate.
For now it has not been clarified how the initial exposure to the virus occurred.
A outbreak that puts the focus on international travel
The case again puts on the table the health risks associated with international travel and, especially, with cruises.
This type of environment concentrates hundreds of people in shared spaces for several days, which can facilitate the late detection of outbreaks or the appearance of multiple cases in a short time.