French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist confirmed on Monday that one French passenger who had been aboard the ship tested positive and her health condition was getting worse. Authorities in France have already identified 22 people who came into contact with her, while four other French passengers tested negative.
Rist said the government was acting quickly to stop further spread of the virus by strengthening isolation measures for people who may have been exposed.
In the United States, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that an American passenger on a repatriation flight also tested mildly positive for the virus. Another traveller showed mild symptoms and was placed under close medical observation.
Officials said the two passengers were transported in special biocontainment units as a safety measure. All 17 passengers from the MV Hondius arriving in the US are expected to undergo medical screening and clinical assessment.
The new infections bring the total number of confirmed hantavirus cases reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) to nine. So far, two deaths and one probable death have been recorded. Four patients remain hospitalised in South Africa, including one person receiving intensive care treatment.
Health experts are now closely monitoring passengers and crew members who travelled on the ship as countries continue repatriation efforts.
What is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a rare but dangerous virus mainly spread by rodents, especially rats and mice. Humans can become infected after coming into contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. In some cases, the virus can spread through contaminated air when tiny particles from rodent waste are breathed in.
The disease was first identified in South Korea during the Korean War in the 1950s near the Hantan River, where the virus got its name.
Symptoms usually begin like the flu, including fever, headaches, body pain, fatigue, and dizziness. As the illness worsens, it can affect the lungs and make breathing difficult. Severe cases can become life-threatening if not treated early.
Doctors say quick medical attention is important because there is currently no specific cure for hantavirus. Treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms and supporting breathing.
Health authorities are still investigating how the virus spread among passengers on the cruise ship and whether there was exposure to contaminated environments during the voyage.
Courtesy: Al Jazeera
