Three deaths on a cruise ship that departed from Argentina where the WHO is investigating a hantavirus outbreak

Buenos Aires.- The World Health Organization (WHO) reported this Sunday on three deaths linked to a possible outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship that departed from Argentina and is sailing through the Atlantic Ocean. A total of six people are affected, of whom three have died and one remains in intensive care, according to the WHO on its X social media account. In one of the cases, the presence of the hantavirus has been confirmed by laboratory.

The Argentina cruise route with three deaths

The cruise ship departed on March 20th from the port terminal of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Argentina, bound for Cape Verde, South Africa. The WHO indicated that epidemiological investigations and new laboratory analyses are being carried out to determine the extent of the outbreak, while passengers and crew receive medical attention and follow-up. He also indicated that he is coordinating with the countries involved and the ship’s operators for the medical evacuation of two passengers with symptoms, as well as the assessment of the health risk for the rest of the people on board.

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What is hantavirus?

The hantavirus is a disease usually transmitted through contact with urine or droppings from infected rodents, although in rare cases it can spread between people and lead to severe respiratory illnesses. The international organization highlighted the rapid response and coordination between health authorities and announced that it will formally inform member countries within the framework of the International Health Regulations, in addition to issuing a public report on the outbreak. At the moment, details about the origin of the contagion and the nationality of those affected have not been released, while studies continue, including the sequencing of the virus.