Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Hantavirus Outbreak Now Stable, No New Cases And Deaths Reported: WHO

The hantavirus outbreak, which began late in April aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, is now stable, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Sharing opening remarks at the 159th session of the Executive Board today, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that no new cases and deaths of the rat-borne virus have been reported.

“The hantavirus outbreak is now stable, with one new case in the past two weeks, and no new deaths since May 2,” he said.

The outbreak resulted in 12 total cases (10 confirmed, 2 probable) and 3 deaths.

“All passengers and crew remain in quarantine and under close monitoring to ensure they receive care if needed,” the WHO Chief added.

All the passengers have been repatriated and will be monitored until the quarantine period ends on June 21. The crew will also be quarantined until June 29. 

A Dutch couple is believed to have been first exposed to the virus while visiting a birdwatching site in Argentina.

“There is no sign that we are seeing the start of a larger outbreak. But of course, that could change, and we urge all affected countries to continue monitoring the passengers and crew carefully. I thank the many countries involved in the response,” Tedros said. 

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/who-chief-warns-ebola-epidemic-outpacing-us-india-intensifies-screening-at-airports-article-154396210" data-type="tilCustomLink">WHO Chief Warns Ebola Epidemic ‘Outpacing Us’; India Intensifies Screening At Airports</a>

The current outbreaks of Ebola and hantavirus remind us that the next pandemic will not wait for us, he noted, urging countries to work on making the Pandemic Agreement operational. 

The WHO has confirmed that the Andes strain of hantavirus — the only strain known to spread from person to person — is behind the outbreak. The strain has no vaccine.

Meanwhile, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he signed a targeted Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act declaration “to support the development and deployment of medical countermeasures related to the Andes virus” strain of hantavirus.

“This action helps remove barriers to research and response efforts while we continue monitoring the recent outbreak linked to the South Atlantic cruise ship,” Kennedy said in a statement posted to social media. “HHS is taking this situation seriously and will continue working to protect public health and support the safe development of potential treatments and countermeasures.”

As per the WHO, hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses that naturally infect rodents and are occasionally transmitted to humans.

Globally, an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 hantavirus infections occur each year. The majority of these cases are in Asia, particularly China. Most are sporadic or occur in small clusters, linked to contact with infected rodents. 

Infection in people can result in severe illness and often death, although the diseases vary by type of virus and geographical location.

Notably, the WHO has not specified the type of hantavirus or syndrome in the cruise incident, but did mention respiratory risks. 

The hantavirus is primarily spread by rodents through 

<ul><li>exposure to their urine, </li><li>droppings, </li><li>saliva, </li><li>less commonly through a scratch or bite.</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

hantavirus outbreak

hantavirus

MV Hondius

Andes strain of hantavirus

zoonotic viruses

hantavirus-outbreak-now-stable-no-new-cases-and-deaths-reported-who

magic-mushroom-study-claims-psilocybin-gives-relief-from-pain

Magic Mushroom: Study Claims Psilocybin Gives Relief From Pain?

who-chief-warns-ebola-epidemic-outpacing-us-india-intensifies-screening-at-airports

WHO Chief Warns Ebola Epidemic ‘Outpacing Us’; India Intensifies Screening At Airports

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

The hantavirus outbreak, which began late in April aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, is now stable, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Sharing opening remarks at the 159th session of the Executive Board today, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that no new cases and deaths of the rat-borne virus have been reported. “The hantavirus outbreak is now stable, with one new case in the past two weeks, and no new deaths since May 2,” he said.The outbreak resulted in 12 total cases (10 confirmed, 2 probable) and 3 deaths. “All passengers and crew remain in quarantine and under close monitoring to ensure they receive care if needed,” the WHO Chief added. All the passengers have been repatriated and will be monitored until the quarantine period ends on June 21. The crew will also be quarantined until June 29.  A Dutch couple is believed to have been first exposed to the virus while visiting a birdwatching site in Argentina. “There is no sign that we are seeing the start of a larger outbreak. But of course, that could change, and we urge all affected countries to continue monitoring the passengers and crew carefully. I thank the many countries involved in the response,” Tedros said.  Also read: WHO Chief Warns Ebola Epidemic ‘Outpacing Us’; India Intensifies Screening At AirportsThe current outbreaks of Ebola and hantavirus remind us that the next pandemic will not wait for us, he noted, urging countries to work on making the Pandemic Agreement operational.  The WHO has confirmed that the Andes strain of hantavirus — the only strain known to spread from person to person — is behind the outbreak. The strain has no vaccine.Meanwhile, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he signed a targeted Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act declaration “to support the development and deployment of medical countermeasures related to the Andes virus” strain of hantavirus.“This action helps remove barriers to research and response efforts while we continue monitoring the recent outbreak linked to the South Atlantic cruise ship,” Kennedy said in a statement posted to social media. “HHS is taking this situation seriously and will continue working to protect public health and support the safe development of potential treatments and countermeasures.”What Is Hantavirus? As per the WHO, hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses that naturally infect rodents and are occasionally transmitted to humans. Globally, an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 hantavirus infections occur each year. The majority of these cases are in Asia, particularly China. Most are sporadic or occur in small clusters, linked to contact with infected rodents. Infection in people can result in severe illness and often death, although the diseases vary by type of virus and geographical location. Notably, the WHO has not specified the type of hantavirus or syndrome in the cruise incident, but did mention respiratory risks. The hantavirus is primarily spread by rodents through exposure to their urine, droppings, saliva, less commonly through a scratch or bite.

hantavirus outbreak now stable, no new cases and deaths reported: who

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Hantavirus Outbreak Now Stable, No New Cases And Deaths Reported: WHO

WHO Chief Warns Ebola Epidemic ‘Outpacing Us’; India Intensifies Screening At Airports

Heatwaves And Toxic Air Create A Growing Health Crisis In Delhi

Ebola Cases Cross 900, Death Toll Tops 200; 10 Countries On High Alert

Health Conditions A-Z

Hantavirus Outbreak Now Stable, No New Cases And Deaths Reported: WHO

Magic Mushroom: Study Claims Psilocybin Gives Relief From Pain?

WHO Chief Warns Ebola Epidemic ‘Outpacing Us’; India Intensifies Screening At Airports