Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday that the number of hantavirus cases associated with a cruise ship outbreak has increased to 13.
According to Qatar News Agency, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared in a post on X that Spain reported a new case among passengers still in quarantine, raising the total number of infections related to this outbreak to 13.
He noted that three individuals have succumbed to the disease. However, Ghebreyesus also mentioned that no additional deaths have been reported since May 2, indicating that the situation is stable. The infected individuals are receiving medical treatment, while other passengers continue to be under quarantine measures.
The outbreak has been traced back to the cruise ship MV Hondius, whose passengers disembarked approximately two weeks ago.
Hantavirus is an uncommon but potentially significant disease, primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their excrement. It can lead to severe respiratory illnesses in humans.