According to the latest reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and regional health authorities, the situation regarding the Andes virus (ANDV) cluster is evolving.
Case Count: The total number of cases has risen to 9, including 7 confirmed and 2 probable cases.
Fatalities: The death toll remains at 3, involving citizens from the Netherlands and Germany.
Virus Strain: Confirmed as the Andes virus (ANDV), known for its rare ability to spread via human-to-human contact.
Global Risk Assessment: WHO maintains the global risk level as low, though it remains moderate for individuals directly linked to the affected vessel.
Key Developments
New Confirmed Cases
Spain: A passenger currently under quarantine in Madrid tested positive for the virus via PCR today.
France: Another traveler associated with the recent cruise has been confirmed positive by French health officials.
MV Hondius Update: The evacuation of the vessel at Tenerife in the Canary Islands is now complete.
The ship is currently en route to Rotterdam, Netherlands, where it will undergo a comprehensive deep-cleaning and disinfection protocol.
Status of Turkish Citizens
The Turkish Ministry of Health confirmed that the 3 Turkish nationals who were on the vessel have tested negative.
They currently show no symptoms but remain under observation as a precaution.
Public Health Context
Transmission Mode: Health authorities reiterate that while hantaviruses are typically spread by rodents, the Andes strain is unique because it can spread between humans through close, prolonged contact.
International Coordination: WHO continues to work through International Health Regulations (IHR) to facilitate contact tracing across multiple borders to ensure all potentially exposed passengers are monitored.
Note: The situation is being monitored in real time. HantaWorld will publish another update when verified health authority information changes.