How South African scientists identified hantavirus on a cruise ship thousands of miles away
Scientists confirmed the virus within 24 hours after a cruise ship passenger was evacuated, and the first confirmed case is improving in hospital.
- Within 24 hours of receiving an urgent request, South African scientists confirmed hantavirus on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius after investigating a pneumonia-like outbreak among passengers.
- Investigators traced the source to South America, particularly Argentina and Chile, where passengers who were avid bird watchers likely encountered rodents carrying the rare, well-described virus.
- Dr. Lucille Blumberg of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases led the rapid analysis, identifying the Andes strain after initial screenings for Legionella and influenza returned negative results.
- Two Dutch passengers died during the outbreak, while the first confirmed British patient is improving in a Johannesburg hospital, according to South African health officials.
- Although hantavirus rarely spreads between people, the World Health Organization warns the Andes strain can be transmitted person-to-person, necessitating ongoing monitoring of vessel passengers.
33 Articles
33 Articles
Associated Press News
How South African scientists identified hantavirus on a cruise ship thousands of miles away
South African infectious disease expert Lucille Blumberg was part of a team that identified a hantavirus outbreak on a Dutch cruise ship.
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