New Delhi: A suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship that was sailing in the Atlantic Ocean led to the death of three people while four others fell critically ill.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has now said it suspects some rare human-to-human transmission to have taken place among passengers of the ship.
Flagging concerns of human-to-human transmission of hantavirus, which is primarily a rodent-borne virus, WHO said on Tuesday that the risk to the wider public remains low, and has urged calm while investigations are underway.
According to Oceanwide Expeditions, operator of the MV Hondius ship, said a Dutch couple and a German national had died, while a British passenger, who tested positive for the virus, is currently being treated in intensive care in a Johannesburg hospital. Three members of the crew with respiratory symptoms are undergoing treatment and kept in isolation.
Meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic expedition, the cruise turned into a public health scare on sea in a matter of weeks.
The luxury ship is currently stuck off the coast of Cape Verde, off the west coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. Passengers are not allowed to get off, leaving about 150 people on board while health officials assess the situation.
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses which is mainly spread by infected rodents. The virus can be contracted by humans through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, or by inhaling contaminated dust particles.
Though not very common, hantavirus infections can be severe with high fatality rate in some cases.
Symptoms of hantavirus
Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble common flu, which makes early diagnosis difficult. Common early signs include — fever and chills, muscle aches, fatigue and headache.
If left untreated, the infection can lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which is a severe respiratory condition.
Advanced symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent coughing, rapid heartbeat and fluid buildup in the lungs.
According to doctors, the patient’s condition can become life-threatening if timely medical attention is not given.
Diagnosis and treatment
There is no antiviral drug to treat hantavirus. Treatment of acute infection is based on supportive care, ideally in hospital settings, such as oxygen therapy, fluid management and intensive care if needed.
Early diagnosis goes a long way in improving chances of survival, hence awareness of symptoms becomes critical.
Prevention is the most effective defence against hantavirus. Extra precaution is advised when travelling or staying in rural or wilderness areas.
Among steps which should be taken are — avoid contact with rodents and their droppings; keep homes and storage areas clean and well-sealed; use gloves and masks when cleaning dusty or rodent-prone areas; ensure proper ventilation in enclosed spaces.
People living in or visiting rodent-infested areas, farmers and outdoor workers are obviously at high risk of contracting the infection.
