Three passengers have died aboard the cruise ship 'Hondius' while sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde, suspected to have contracted hantavirus. Another traveler has tested positive and is receiving intensive care in South Africa. Two crew members are also seriously ill.

The exact source of infection remains unknown. The WHO European regional office stated that the risk to the general public is low and there is no need for panic or travel restrictions.

Hantavirus is a zoonotic disease transmitted from rodents to humans. Human-to-human transmission has not been observed in Europe, though rare cases have been documented in South America involving the Andes virus.

The virus is shed through saliva, urine, and feces. Infection typically occurs by inhaling contaminated dust, ingesting contaminated food, or touching the eyes or nose after contact with contaminated material.

Disease severity varies by strain. European and Asian strains cause flu-like illness, sometimes progressing to hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. American strains can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, with a fatality rate of 30-40%.

In Germany, 200 to 3,000 cases are reported annually. The Puumala virus is most common, with a fatality rate of about 1%.

Treatment is primarily supportive; severe cases may require dialysis or mechanical ventilation. No vaccines are available in Europe, North America, or South America. Vaccines used in China and South Korea lack confirmed efficacy.

Source: www.dw.com