NewzVille Desk
A 12th hantavirus case linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship has been confirmed after a crew member tested positive, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday. The vessel had arrived in the Netherlands last week for disinfection.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a press conference that the infected crew member had disembarked in Tenerife before being repatriated to the Netherlands, where the person has been kept in isolation.
Tedros said the incubation period for hantavirus can extend up to six weeks. A total of 12 cases and three deaths have been reported so far in the outbreak.
He also thanking Captain Jan Dobrogowski said, “I’m deeply grateful for Jan’s cooperation and leadership as he navigated the ship through an extraordinary and scary journey. Thank you, dear Jan, for steering your passengers towards safety.”
No new deaths have been recorded since May 2, when the outbreak was first reported to the WHO.
Dutch authorities said the infected crew member had been admitted to hospital.
