The Hague, May 5: The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed a second case of hantavirus infection aboard a ship in the Atlantic Ocean. This brings the total number of infected individuals on the vessel to two, as reported by the Dutch cruise ship operator, Oceanwide Expeditions.
According to the company, the new case involves a Dutch female passenger who passed away on April 27. Previously, a Dutch couple and a German national had also died. Additionally, two crew members are reported to be ill, with around 150 people still on board. Another infected passenger, a British citizen, has left the ship and is receiving treatment in an ICU in Johannesburg, South Africa.
As per Xinhua News Agency, the company stated that two crew members are still struggling with severe respiratory issues. One is in stable condition while the other is more critically ill, both requiring immediate medical attention. These crew members are citizens of the UK and the Netherlands. No other individuals have shown symptoms so far.
Hantavirus is a group of viruses typically found in rodents, such as mice, and can cause severe illness in humans. The infection is usually transmitted through contact with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents. Human-to-human transmission is rare.
The virus spreads when a person touches the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents or comes into contact with contaminated surfaces. This often occurs when people clean areas with high rodent infestations, such as villages, forests, fields, and farms, where rodent populations are more prevalent.
Symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) initially include headaches, dizziness, chills, fever, and muscle aches. Gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain may also occur. Later, severe conditions like difficulty breathing and a drop in blood pressure can develop.
Symptoms typically appear 2 to 4 weeks after exposure to the virus, although in some cases, they may manifest within a week or as late as 8 weeks after exposure.
My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
