WHO warns of hantavirus outbreak

WHO warns of hantavirus outbreak

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has urged all countries to be vigilant after the outbreak of hantavirus on the MV Hondius cruise ship. The WHO has recommended a 42-day quarantine and contact tracing for countries. He also thanked Spain for hosting the ship and evacuating passengers and crew.

Three people have reportedly died on the ship, which was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde. So far, nine cases of the Andean variant of the virus have been confirmed. The virus is usually transmitted by rodents, but in rare cases can also be transmitted from person to person. One of 14 people quarantined in Spain has tested positive for hantavirus. The patient is said to be in stable condition. The WHO has warned that more cases could emerge due to close contact on the ship.

Uzbekistan has not yet reported any cases of hantavirus, the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Wellbeing and Public Health reported.

Experts say hantavirus is not as contagious as coronavirus and has little chance of becoming a global pandemic. The virus is mainly transmitted through rodent droppings and can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea and shortness of breath.

The CDC advised citizens to practice good personal hygiene, keep their living spaces clean and seek medical attention when returning from endemic areas.