Three passengers have died from a suspected hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch-operated MV Hondius in the Atlantic. The WHO is coordinating medical evacuations as the vessel remains off the coast of Cape Verde.

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Beyond the three confirmed fatalities, more individuals on the vessel are reportedly falling ill. Authorities are monitoring symptomatic passengers as the ship continues its journey across the Atlantic. Medical teams on board are implementing isolation protocols to prevent further transmission.

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● Transmission: Hantavirus is a rodent-borne illness spread through contact with infected droppings, urine, or saliva.

● Symptoms: It can lead to life-threatening conditions, including severe respiratory failure or haemorrhagic fever.

● Contagion: Though rare, human-to-human transmission can occur, as evidenced by the recent MV Hondius outbreak.

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1. What are the common symptoms?

Initial signs include fever, severe muscle aches, and fatigue, which can progress to acute respiratory distress.

2. How does the virus spread?

Humans are typically infected through aerosolised excretion from rodents or direct contact with infected nests and droppings.

3. Is there a specific cure?

There is no specific viral treatment or vaccine; patients require intensive care and oxygen therapy to manage symptoms.

- Generated by AI