Where did the cruise ship hantavirus come from and what happens next?

"The first passengers onboard the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius, a cruise ship sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde, fell ill in early April, with symptoms ranging from fever, gastrointestinal problems, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock. Three people have died since 11 April, including a Dutch couple and a German woman, whose body remains on the ship."

"Hantaviruses are a large group of viruses that circulate in rodents such as mice and rats. Distinct strains are found in different parts of the world. The viruses can spread to humans, typically through inhalation of droplets or dust contaminated with urine, faeces or saliva from infected animals."

"The old world strains, found in Europe and Asia, tend to cause haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), a kidney disease that is fatal in about 10% of cases. The new world strains, found in the Americas, are more virulent, causing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which can kill more than half of those infected."

The Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius experienced a deadly hantavirus outbreak beginning in early April while traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde. Three deaths have occurred, including a Dutch couple and German woman. Eight suspected cases exist with three confirmed by laboratory testing. Patients exhibited fever, gastrointestinal issues, pneumonia, and respiratory distress. Several infected individuals have been evacuated to hospitals in the Netherlands and South Africa. Additional cases emerged after passengers disembarked at various ports. The ship is proceeding to the Canary Islands where remaining passengers will be repatriated if asymptomatic. Hantaviruses spread from rodents to humans through contaminated droplets and dust. New World strains cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome with higher mortality rates than Old World strains.

Read at www.theguardian.com