Hantavirus Worries: Singapore Tests Two After Fatal Atlantic Cruise Outbreak
Singapore has placed two residents in isolation after they were on a cruise ship linked to a significant hantavirus outbreak.
The men, aged 67 and 65, were on the MV Hondius, which departed from Argentina on April 1, as per a statement from the Communicable Diseases Agency issued on Thursday. “One has a runny nose but is otherwise healthy, while the other displays no symptoms,” the CDA mentioned. Results for the hantavirus tests are still pending.
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Evacuated hantavirus patients arrive in the Netherlands as the ship continues its journey
South Africa confirms that Andes hantavirus can transmit between humans
If they receive negative test results for hantavirus, a 30-day quarantine will commence from the date of last exposure. If they test positive, hospitalization for monitoring and treatment will be required due to the potential seriousness of the infection, according to the CDA.
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The two individuals—a Singaporean citizen and a permanent resident—were also on the same flight as a confirmed hantavirus case from St Helena to Johannesburg on April 25 after disembarking the ship. The confirmed case did not travel to Singapore and later passed away in South Africa, the agency reported.
The hantavirus primarily spreads from rodents to humans, though the Andes strain found in South America has shown limited human-to-human transmission potential.
Authorities are actively investigating the mode of transmission of the virus onboard.
Three passengers have died, six have contracted the virus, with an additional two under suspicion. The World Health Organization currently assesses the global risk to the general population as low.
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Hantavirus: Urgent need for calm as SA health teams rush to trace contacts
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