Translated with AI
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a public health event involving a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. The organization is coordinating the response and providing support to passengers and crew.
According to the WHO, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory-confirmed, and five more are considered suspected. Of the six cases, three have died, and one patient is in intensive care in South Africa.
Specialists continue to investigate the situation, conducting additional laboratory tests and epidemiological analysis. All on board are receiving medical care, and virus sequencing is underway.
As the organization explained, hantavirus infections are usually associated with environmental factors, particularly contact with the urine or feces of infected rodents. In rare cases, human-to-human transmission is possible. The disease can be severe, affecting the respiratory system, and requires prompt monitoring and treatment.
WHO is coordinating efforts between Member States and the ship operator to conduct the medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers. Concurrently, the public health risks are being assessed and support is being provided to the remaining passengers and crew.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that rapid and coordinated action is critical to contain threats and protect public health.
The organization also reported that it had notified national contact centers in accordance with the International Health Regulations. An official public announcement is expected soon.
According to media reports, the cruise ship departed from a port in Argentina three weeks ago, bound for the Canary Islands. It was carrying approximately 150 passengers from around the world.
