Three people have diedaboard a cruise ship aftera case of hantaviruswas confirmed on board. The virus can easily be mistaken for the flu.
The outbreakwas reported aboard the MV Hondius, which was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde, the World Health Organization said.
The illness is usually linked to environmental exposure, such as contact with urine or faeces from infected rodents, but it can spread between people and lead to severe respiratory illness.
Each hantavirus is linked to a different rodent host. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) can be contracted by inhaling, consuming or coming into contact with rat and mouse faeces, urine or saliva.
This could occur through handling the animal directly or by touching something contaminated with its bodily fluids.
The incubation period typically lasts two to four days, but can range from two days to eight weeks.
It is vital to wash your hands thoroughly after handling rats or their environments and to steer clear of wild mice and rats, as well as areas where they may have been present.
When you discover rodent droppings in your home, always wear rubber gloves and a protective mask over your nose and mouth. Never sweep up droppings with a brush, as this can scatter potentially infectious particles into the air.
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Source: Daily Express :: World Feed
