The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its count of global hantavirus cases to 10, revising down from an earlier figure of 11 after a suspected individual tested negative. Maria Van Kerkhove, director of WHO's department for epidemic and pandemic preparedness, confirmed that further testing in the United States ruled out the case.

Eight cases have been laboratory-confirmed, while two are classified as probable. The outbreak originated on the MV Hondius, a Dutch luxury cruise ship that departed Argentina on a polar expedition. Three people have died since the outbreak began.

The captain and 26 crew members remain on board under monitoring, with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stating that no symptomatic individuals are currently present. However, due to the long incubation period of up to six weeks, Tedros warned that more cases may emerge as passengers return to their home countries.

Passengers will be quarantined and tested either in specialized facilities or at home. Tedros emphasized that the outbreak is not expanding but rather that control measures are working. The WHO is coordinating with Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay to understand the spread.

Hantaviruses are typically rodent-borne, but the Andes virus strain responsible for this outbreak can spread between humans through prolonged close contact, often in enclosed settings. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues, with severe cases progressing to respiratory distress. No approved vaccines or targeted treatments exist; care remains supportive.

Source: www.aljazeera.com