कोरोना जैसी महामारी बनेगा हंतावायरस? WHO का आया बयान, 12 देशों को किया अलर्ट – who clarifies on hantavirus cruise ship cases coronavirus pandemic ntc rlch
The outbreak of Hantavirus spread on a Dutch cruise ship ‘MV Hondius’ that had departed from Argentina has surprised scientists all over the world. Many passengers aboard this ship became seriously ill, three of whom have died. International health agencies have become alert regarding this. The World Health Organization confirmed on Thursday that so far 8 cases related to this ship have been reported, out of which Hantavirus has been confirmed in five cases while three are suspected. Three of these passengers have died, due to which serious concerns have arisen around the world about this disease.
For information please note that Hantavirus Spread by rats. It can spread through contact with rats, saliva, urine and feces.
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has clarified in the media briefing regarding Hantavirus that it is not a new virus nor is it an epidemic situation like Covid-19. WHO chief said, ‘This is not corona virus, it is not an epidemic. This is not the same situation as the world saw six years ago during Covid-19.
Along with this, WHO has officially alerted those 12 countries whose citizens had disembarked from the cruise ship in St. Helena. These include countries like Britain, America, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Singapore and Turkey. However, it is a matter of relief that at present no symptoms have been seen in any other passenger on the cruise.
Also read: ‘Will not let the ship with Hantavirus stop’, now Spanish island also refuses to take cruise
The first death on the cruise occurred on April 11.
The International Health Organization said that last Saturday, Britain had informed WHO under international health regulations that symptoms of serious respiratory disease have been found in many passengers on this cruise traveling from Argentina. The first case was a male, who developed symptoms on 6 April and died on board the ship on 11 April. No sample was taken at that time because his symptoms were like a common respiratory disease and no one even suspected Hantavirus.
After this, when the ship docked, another infected person reached Johannesburg, where he also died. After this, Hantavirus infection was confirmed in the investigation. A case was also reported in Switzerland. WHO said it is also aware of reports of people showing symptoms and who may have come in contact with infected passengers. However, the organization assesses that the overall risk to public health is low.
WHO experts are investigating cases on the cruise
WHO said that one of its experts has boarded a cruise in Cabo Verde. Two doctors from the Netherlands and an expert from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control are also present with him. This team will remain there until the ship reaches the Canary Islands. Experts are conducting medical examinations of all the people on board and gathering information to assess the risk of infection.
The organization reiterated that the overall risk is minimal and clear guidelines have been issued to prevent the spread of the infection. The spread of the disease can be limited. The WHO official said the infection could spread in closed spaces, as was seen during the outbreak in Argentina in 2018. However, he clarified that most Hantavirus strains do not spread between humans.
WHO expert Dr. Maria said, ‘This is not SARS-CoV-2 (Corona). It does not spread the way the corona virus spread. It spreads when physical relations are formed. Precautionary steps are being taken on board the ship. Most hantavirus strains do not spread from one person to another.
WHO also said that at present there are no symptoms among the remaining passengers on the ship. However, the incubation period of the virus can be about 6 weeks, so some more cases may be reported in the coming days. The organization stressed that this is not an epidemic-like situation and public health agencies are working together to break the chain of infection.
Also read: New face of Hantavirus seen, news of human-to-human spread on cruise ship
These are the initial symptoms of Hantavirus
Hantavirus attack is very silent and fast. In the beginning it seems like ordinary flu – fever, body ache and weakness. But suddenly the patient’s condition starts deteriorating. The virus makes the blood vessels leaky, i.e. weak, due to which fluid starts leaking and accumulating in the lungs.
The patient feels as if he is drowning despite being in air. In such times, only ECMO machine (which performs the work of lungs and heart externally) can save life. In countries like Chile and Argentina, there is a rule that as soon as symptoms of Hantavirus appear, the patient should be immediately sent to a center where ECMO facilities are available.
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