"The Andes strain of the virus has been confirmed in two passengers who were taken to South Africa, according to the country's health minister. Hantaviruses describe a family of viruses rather than one single disease, with more than 20 different viral species linked to infection by rodents."
"The WHO has been working on the assumption that the virus could be spreading through very close contact from person to person on the ship and through contact with rodents. Now that the Andes virus is confirmed, it becomes even more important for passengers and crew to observe social distancing."
"Experts say that measures such as isolating infected patients, regular handwashing, tracing and monitoring close contacts, and applying infection control measures will all be critical to stopping the spread of the disease."
The MV Hondius cruise ship is facing an outbreak of hantavirus, specifically the Andes strain, which has led to three fatalities. Two passengers were confirmed to have the virus after being taken to South Africa. Hantaviruses are primarily linked to rodent infections, but the Andes strain can spread through human contact. Passengers are currently confined to their cabins to limit exposure, and health experts emphasize the importance of social distancing, handwashing, and monitoring contacts to control the outbreak. The origin of the outbreak remains unclear.
Read at www.bbc.com
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