New Pandamic Will Spread Again ; 29 Infected People Have Reached 12 Countries , Alert Issued Across The Country . Hantavirus has become a cause of concern all over the world. This virus has spread from a cruise ship and its passengers have now traveled to 12-13 countries of the world. This virus is spread by rats. But this time it has also spread from person to person. It is the Andean strain. Which can be spread by coughing, sneezing, kissing or even drinking from the same glass.
In April, the cruise ship MV Hondius departed from the port of Ushuaia, Argentina. It was carrying 150 passengers and crew from 28 different countries. Two Dutch passengers went to a bird-watching landfill in South America. There, they contracted the hantavirus from rats. The virus then spread to other passengers. So far, five people have been confirmed to be infected, and three have died.
On April 24, the ship docked at the island of St. Helena. Where 29 passengers disembarked. One of them was found dead. At that time, no one knew that these people could be infected with the Hanta virus. These passengers had traveled to 12 different countries around the world. Now the governments of these countries are searching for these passengers and trying to isolate them.
What is hantavirus and how is it spread?
Hantavirus is usually spread through rat urine, saliva, or feces. These can become airborne and be inhaled by humans. It is also sometimes transmitted through bites or contaminated food. However, the Andean strain discovered this time can also be spread from person to person. According to a study by Chilean scientists, the virus is found in the saliva, urine, and nasal secretions of infected people. Especially when they are very sick. It can also be spread by kissing, drinking through a straw, or coughing or sneezing. One study found that partners in physical contact are 10 times more likely to be infected than other family members. However, it is not as easily spread as the common cold or COVID-19.
Where did the passengers go ?
The passengers who disembarked from St. Helena traveled to many countries. The countries shown on the map are Canada, the United States, St. Kitts and Nevis, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Turkey, Singapore and New Zealand. Many other countries could also be affected as the ship is heading to Spain’s Canary Islands. Countries such as Argentina, Cape Verde, Israel and Spain are also monitoring the situation. Health officials are contacting all passengers and advising them to quarantine.
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