"The World Health Organization (WHO) has said, lowering its earlier figure of 11 after a person who was thought to have contracted hantavirus was confirmed to be negative. Maria Van Kerkhove, the director of the WHO's department for epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention, said on Friday that the earlier count included one individual who had an inconclusive test We've had further confirmation from the United States that person was negative. Eight cases were laboratory-confirmed, while two were classified as probable, according to the WHO."
"WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reiterated that the risk to the global population is low. The captain and the ship's 26-member crew remain on board and continue to be monitored, with Tedros confirming that there are currently no symptomatic individuals on board. However, due to the long incubation time which is six weeks Tedros warned that more cases may be reported in coming days as passengers return to their countries. The passengers will be quarantined and tested in specialised facilities or at home, he added."
"This does not mean the outbreak is expanding; it shows that the control measures are working, that laboratory testing is ongoing, and that people are being cared for with support from their governments, the WHO chief said. Kerkhove said the remains of a passenger who died remain on board, and that WHO is working with the ship to ensure the proper handling of her body. She added that the WHO is also working with experts in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay to understand the outbreak and spread."
The World Health Organization reported that the risk of hantavirus spreading to the global population is low. The total number of global cases is 10, reduced from 11 after a previously included person was confirmed negative by the United States. Eight cases are laboratory-confirmed and two are probable. Three deaths have occurred since the outbreak began on the MV Hondius cruise ship departing Argentina for a polar expedition. The captain and 26 crew members remain on board and are monitored, with no symptomatic individuals currently reported. Because incubation can last up to six weeks, additional cases may appear as passengers return home. Passengers will be quarantined and tested in specialized facilities or at home, and the WHO is coordinating with regional experts and the ship on investigation and body handling.
#hantavirus #world-health-organization #epidemic-monitoring #quarantine-and-testing #cruise-ship-outbreak
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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