Post

WHO
@who.int

WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean.

254 reposts961 likes

WHO
@who.int

To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases. Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa.

WHO
@who.int

Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing, and epidemiological investigations. Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew. Sequencing of the virus is also ongoing.

WHO
@who.int

Hantavirus infections are typically linked to environmental exposure (exposure to infected rodents’ urine or faeces). While rare, hantavirus may spread between people, and can lead to severe respiratory illness and requires careful patient monitoring, support and response.

romieblois.bsky.social
@romieblois.bsky.social

NB My understanding is that they have identified this strain as the Andes strain, which is the one that can be spread between people. Define rare! The scientific approach should always be to adopt the precautionary one. We must learn from past mistakes!

WHO
@who.int

WHO is facilitating coordination between Member States and the Ship’s operators for medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, as well as full public health risk assessment and support to the remaining passengers on board. WHO is grateful for the rapid actions and coordination.

C Switzer
@cswitzer.bsky.social

I love cruising, and I admit they're floating petri dishes, so I try to choose smaller ships. Reading and staring out at the endless ocean, away from the rest of the world, is the best way for me to really relax. Good food, a nice drink, a comfy seat, and the ocean.....

Tania J. Spencer
@taniaspencer.bsky.social

"Among patients with ANDV hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, high viral titers in combination with attendance at massive social gatherings or extensive contact among persons were associated with a higher likelihood of transmission": www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....

nejm.org“Super-Spreaders” and Person-to-Person Transmission of Andes Virus in Argentina | NEJMFrom November 2018 through February 2019, person-to-person transmission of Andes virus (ANDV) hantavirus pulmonary syndrome occurred in Chubut Province, Argentina, and resulted in 34 confirmed infe...