Andes Virus Outbreak on Cruise Ship: 8 Cases Confirmed, 3 Dead


Eight cases of Andes virus have been reported as of 8 May, including three deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Six of the cases have been confirmed as Andes virus through testing, while four patients remain in hospital. 

One suspected case has been ruled out after Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and antibody tests came back negative.

WHO said one of its experts and one from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) are on board the ship to assist passengers, crew and operators during the voyage. 

An adult male who disembarked in Tristan da Cunha on 14 April is in isolation and considered a probable case pending lab results. 

WHO announced officials are also tracing passengers who travelled on the same flight from St Helena to South Africa as one of the confirmed cases. 

READ ALSO: Nigeria Boosts Monitoring after Hantavirus Cases on Cruise Ship

So far, 75 contacts have been identified in South Africa, and of those, 42 have been traced and are being monitored by health authorities.

Epidemiologists are investigating how people were exposed, including reviewing the travel history and potential contacts of the first case.

WHO has issued guidance to affected countries covering how to manage cases on board, investigate infections, and handle disembarkation and the return of passengers and crew. 

The agency advises that countries coordinate public health measures on vessels and in destinations receiving cases or contacts. 

It said early detection, isolation of suspected cases, and strict infection control remain key to protecting passengers, crew and health workers. 

WHO clarified current evidence does not support routine testing or quarantine for people without symptoms.

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