WHO Issues Alert on Hantavirus as Africa and Europe Report Cases of Deadly Virus With No Cure
- The WHO has issued a health alert in the wake of the emergence of hantavirus
- According to the WHO, five cases have been confirmed as hantavirus, with three resulting in death
- It said the virus, which is transmitted through rodents, was detected on a cruise ship en route from Argentina to Cape Verde
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a new health alert following the emergence of hantavirus.
In a release on May 6, the organisation said that a newly detected strain of hantavirus was identified after some passengers on a cruise ship became seriously ill with respiratory problems.
Source: Twitter
The ship was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde.
The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, addressing the media on Thursday, May 7, said 12 countries whose nationals were aboard the ship have been notified, as eight cases, including three deaths, have been confirmed.
“WHO has also informed 12 countries whose nationals disembarked in Saint Helena. Those 12 countries are Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.”
“So far, eight cases have been reported, including three deaths. Five of the eight cases have been confirmed as hantavirus, and the other three are suspected.”
According to WHO, symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also expressed appreciation to certain countries for their partnership and support in the wake of this issue.
He also spoke about the WHO’s support in playing a crucial role in providing care and preventing the spread of the virus.
“World Health Organization (WHO): I would also like to thank the Governments of Cabo Verde, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain and the United Kingdom for their close partnership and support. I also thank the many partners who have provided expertise, including the NICD in South Africa, the Institut Pasteur Dakar in Senegal, and the HUG here in Switzerland.”
“WHO will continue to work with all relevant governments and partners to provide care for those who are affected, protect the safety and dignity of passengers, and prevent onward spread of the virus.”
According to South African health authorities, some exposed passengers were brought there, where one person subsequently died.
Source: YEN.com.gh
