MV Hondius outbreak escalates as WHO reports 11 hantavirus cases

The number of confirmed and probable hantavirus infections linked to the cruise vessel MV Hondius has risen to 11, according to the latest update from the World Health Organisation.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on social media platform X that an additional passenger developed symptoms while in quarantine, bringing the total to nine confirmed cases and two probable infections, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Three deaths have been reported.

The latest case involves a passenger who was among those repatriated after the outbreak was identified on board. Symptoms emerged during quarantine, and the individual is currently receiving medical treatment, according to the WHO chief.

The figures mark a revision of earlier reporting, in which the total number of cases had been temporarily adjusted down to 10 before being updated again to 11.

The outbreak was first flagged on May 4, when the WHO confirmed infections aboard the MV Hondius. Health authorities continue to monitor contacts and investigate the source and transmission chain of the virus, which is primarily spread through exposure to infected rodents or their droppings.

By Aghakazim Guliyev