Soc. Murciana Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública

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Highlights from Disease Outbreak News on #hantavirus linked to MV Hondius: ▪️ As of 8 May, a total of 8 cases, including 3 deaths, have been reported. 6 cases are confirmed as Andes virus. 4 patients are currently hospitalized. One case previously reported as suspected has now been reclassified as a non-case after testing negative for Andes (ANDV) virus through specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serology. ▪️ Epidemiological investigations are underway to determine the source of exposure, including on the travel history and potential exposures of the first case. ▪️One expert from WHO, one from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (@ECDC_EU) are on board the cruise ship to provide support to the passengers, crews and ship operators during the journey. ▪️ WHO has developed and shared technical guidance documents in support of countries affected by the event, including covering management of the event on the ship, investigation of cases, disembarkation and management of returning passengers and crew members. ▪️ An adult male, who disembarked in Tristan da Cunha on 14 April, is currently stable and in isolation. He is currently a probable case until laboratory confirmation. ▪️ Passengers who travelled on the same flight from St Helena to South Africa along with one of the confirmed cases have been contacted. 👉🏽To date, 75 contacts have been identified in South Africa, of whom 42 have been traced by national authorities and are currently under monitoring. Here is what WHO advises: ▪️ Countries involved in this event continue public health coordination and management efforts on board conveyances and in countries where cases and/or contacts are present or will be returning to. Early recognition of suspected cases, prompt isolation, and consistent adherence to recommended infection prevention and control measures remain essential to protect healthcare personnel, other passengers and crew members. Current evidence does not support usefulness of routine laboratory testing or quarantine of asymptomatic contacts. Read the full disease outbreak news here: bit.ly/49AGmUM