World Health Organisation (WHO) Spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic said 7 cases have been identified among 147 passengers plus crew, with 2 cases confirmed plus 5 cases suspected.
Jasarevic said 3 deaths have been reported so far. The vessel is currently off the coast of Cabo Verde, where local medical teams are supporting response measures on board.
Jasarevic said 1 patient remains in intensive care in South Africa (SA), with clinical improvement reported. Two symptomatic patients still on the ship are being prepared for medical evacuation to the Netherlands for treatment. A third evacuation is also expected for another individual linked to a deceased passenger, according to the interview.
Passengers have been asked to remain in cabins while disinfection plus other public health measures are carried out. Jasarevic said WHO coordination is underway with multiple national authorities, plus ship operators, to prioritise urgent care, prevent additional infections, plus determine the source of exposure.
The origin of infection remains unclear. Jasarevic said a full epidemiological investigation is required, including tracing embarkation points, travel stops, plus possible wildlife exposure during the route from Argentina to Cabo Verde. Additional laboratory testing is continuing in SA, with further testing also taking place in Dakar, Senegal, to determine the hantavirus type through genetic sequencing.
Hantavirus typically spreads through contact with infected rodents or contaminated environments. Jasarevic said human-to-human transmission is possible but uncommon, with risk highest among close contacts. Because the hantavirus type has not yet been confirmed, contact tracing is being prioritised to identify close contacts, including any travel exposure linked to disembarkation plus flights.
No vaccine plus no specific antiviral treatment exists for hantavirus, Jasarevic said, with supportive care considered essential, particularly respiratory support in severe cases.
WHO coordination will continue as the ship approaches the Canary Islands, where a fuller assessment plus investigation is expected to follow.
–ChannelAfrica–
