HIBAPRESS – Agencies
The World Health Organization announced on Sunday evening the death of 3 people on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, one of whom was confirmed to have been infected with the "Hanta" virus.
The organization confirmed to "AFP" that "so far, one case of infection with the (Hanta) virus has been confirmed in the laboratory, and there are 3 other suspected infections." It added: "Of the six infected, 3 have died, while the sixth infected person is currently in intensive care in South Africa." The South African Ministry of Health had announced earlier on Sunday the death of two people following the outbreak of an "acute respiratory disease" on a cruise ship, and the transfer of a third person to intensive care in a hospital in Johannesburg. The cases were recorded on board the ship "MV Hondius" which left Ushuaia in Argentina bound for the Republic of Cabo Verde. Spokesman for the Ministry Foster Mohale explained to "AFP" that the test result of the patient receiving treatment in Johannesburg confirmed his infection with the "Hanta" virus, which is from the family of viruses that cause hemorrhagic fever. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the "Hanta" virus spreads through rodents, especially through contact with their urine, feces, and saliva.
