The UN’s World Health Organization (WHO) is coordinating evacuations and risk assessments following the death of three people and several suspected infections. One patient remains in intensive care in South Africa.
To date, one case has been confirmed after verification in a laboratory, but there are five more suspected cases among those on board.
“This is a serious but contained event and there is no need for panic or travel restrictions at this stage,” said Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
Focus on saving lives
“Our focus is clear: to save lives, limit risks and ensure that countries are fully supported with science-based action,” he added.
The agency’s Bhanu Bhatnagar told Pakinomist that infections by the virus are uncommon and usually associated with infected rodents.
“They can be serious in some cases, and they are not easily transmitted between people.The risk to the wider public remains low at this time and there is no need to worry or travel restrictions.“
Worldwide, at least 10,000 and perhaps more than 100,000 infections occur each year; most are in Asia and Europe.
In humans, symptoms usually begin between one and six weeks after exposure to an infected carrier and typically include fever, headache, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
International cooperation
The UN health agency is working closely with the countries involved and the ship’s operators to support medical assistance, coordinate evacuations and conduct a full health risk assessment.
Two symptomatic passengers are being medically evacuated while passengers and crew on board receive monitoring and support.
Investigations into the outbreak are ongoing, including laboratory tests, epidemiological tracing and genetic sequencing of the virus.
WHO has also informed national authorities in accordance with the International Health Regulations and is preparing a public outbreak news update.
