Countries worldwide sought to prevent further spread of the hantavirus on Thursday, after an outbreak on a cruise ship, by tracking those who had already disembarked before the virus was detected and anyone in close contact with them since.
Three people — a Dutch couple and a German national — died in the outbreak on the MV Hondius.
In total, five people are confirmed to have contracted the virus, with another three suspected cases, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said.
Hantavirus is usual
Hantavirus is no joke. Cruise ships are basically floating petri dishes perfect for disease outbreaks.
Contact tracing on an international cruise must be a logistical nightmare. Hope they track everyone down.
This is exactly how global health emergencies start. Health authorities need to take this seriously.
Makes you think twice about booking a cruise vacation. Hygiene standards definitely need reviewing.