The risk of Hantavirus spreading among humans is low

The World Health Organization said on Monday that there is no need for panic and that the risk of the Hanta virus spreading among humans is low, in comments after three people died and three others became ill on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean in what is suspected to be the epicenter of an outbreak of the virus carried by rodents.

Oceanwide Expeditions, which is based in the Netherlands, said that it is “dealing with a serious medical situation” on board the MV Hondius polar exploration ship, which is located off the coast of Cape Verde.

According to media reports, the ship left Argentina about three weeks ago with about 150 people on board and stopped in Antarctica and other locations on its way to Cape Verde.

The Director of the World Health Organization for Europe, Dr. Hans Kluge, said in a statement, “The wider risk to humans remains low. There is no need to panic or impose travel restrictions.”

Kluge added that the World Health Organization is acting quickly to support the outbreak response and is working with relevant countries to support medical care, evacuation, investigations and public health risk assessment.

He continued, “Infections with the Hanta virus are rare and are usually associated with contact with infected rodents. Although it is dangerous in some cases, it is not easily transmitted between people.”

A spokesman for the Dutch Foreign Ministry confirmed the death of two Dutch passengers, but did not provide further details.