World Health Organization: The risk of Hanta virus to humans remains low

SadaNews - The World Health Organization announced the death of 3 people and the infection of 3 others with what is suspected to be the Hanta virus aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.

Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, confirmed in a statement on Monday evening that the risk to the general public remains low, and there is no need for panic or travel restrictions.

The UN agency reported that one of the patients is currently in intensive care at a hospital in South Africa, adding that it is working with authorities to evacuate two other passengers from the ship who are showing symptoms of the disease.

There are many types of the Hanta virus, which vary in geographic distribution, clinical symptoms, and associated mortality rates. The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) states that only one type of Hanta virus is transmitted from person to person, but it is very rare.

The Hanta virus is found on all continents of the world. It derives its name from the Hantan River that flows between North and South Korea. During the Korean War in the early 1950s, more than 3,000 soldiers were infected with the virus.