The virus that has spread on a cruise ship named 'M.V. Hondius' sailing in the Atlantic Ocean has been identified as Hantavirus.
Three people infected with the virus have now died. According to the World Health Organization, seven people on the MV Hondius, which set sail from Argentina on April 1, have been infected with the virus, one of whom is in critical condition.
The virus is believed to have entered the ship, which is sailing under the Dutch flag,
by a Dutch couple who went bird watching in Ushuaia, Argentina. Authorities suspect that the couple contracted the disease from rats infected with the virus at a garbage dump in the area. Nature of Hanta Virus This virus is transmitted to humans through contact with the urine, feces or saliva of rats.
The 'M.V. Hondius' ship has been identified as the 'Andean strain' that is most common in Argentina and Chile. The specialty is that this is the only strain of Hanta virus that can be transmitted from person to person. The mortality rate of those infected with this virus is as high as 40%.
Symptoms and Treatment Fever, extreme fatigue, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhea are the main symptoms. When the disease progresses, fluid can fill the lungs and cause heart failure. So far, no specific vaccine or curative treatment has been found for Hanta virus.