The number of hantavirus cases linked to a cruise ship at the centre of an outbreak has risen to 13, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X that Spain reported a new case among quarantined patients, bringing the total number of infections to 13.
Three deaths confirmed in outbreak
Tedros said three of the infected patients have died, while no additional deaths have been recorded since 2 May.
“The situation remains stable. Patients who fell ill are receiving the necessary care, while others remain in quarantine,” he stated.
Cruise ship linked to infection cluster
The outbreak is linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, where passengers, crew members and medical staff were recently disembarked after the infection cluster was identified.
All remaining individuals connected to the ship have reportedly been released from quarantine over the past two weeks.
What is hantavirus
Hantaviruses are rodent-borne viruses that can infect humans and cause serious illness. The WHO estimates that between 10,000 and 100,000 human cases occur globally each year, with severity varying depending on the strain.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
Also read: Australia confirms first diphtheria death amid outbreak
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