Geneva: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that the Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, which resulted in the deaths of three individuals, is not considered the onset of an epidemic or pandemic.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, Director of Epidemic and Pandemic Management at WHO, emphasized the significance of investing in pathogen research. She highlighted the critical role of treatments, vaccines, and diagnostic tools in safeguarding lives.
In related developments, the Dutch Ministry of Health reported that a flight attendant was hospitalized in Amsterdam after contact with a virus victim aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius. The attendant is experiencing mild symptoms and is currently undergoing medical evaluation.
The virus outbreak claimed three lives on the MV Hondius, a small cruise ship that set sail from southern Argentina in early April. The Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through air contaminated by secretions from infected rodents, with human-to-human transmission being rare.
