90-Second Read: WHO DON Update: Hantavirus outbreak linked to cruise ship travel, Multi-locations

While additional Hantavirus cases are still possible, a much larger threat has since emerged in Central Africa with the rapidly expanding Bundibugyo virus outbreak in the DRC and Uganda. Yesterday the WHO released their first formal DON update on the Andes Hantavirus outbreak since May 13th, which adds the 3 latest cases, and reiterates that the global risk level from this outbreak remains low. Since the last DON was published on 13 May, three additional confirmed cases were reported, from Canada, the Netherlands, and Spain. The previously reported inconclusive case from the United States of America was subsequently determined to be negative following further laboratory testing and has been removed from the total case count.

As of 27 May, a total of 13 cases, including three deaths, have been reported (case fatality ratio 23%). Given the long incubation period of up to six weeks, it is not unexpected that cases continue to be reported until the end of the six weeks since last exposure. Through the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) channels, National IHR Focal Points (NFPs) have all been informed and are supporting international contact tracing and monitoring efforts.

Covering Pandemic and Seasonal Flu, Emerging Infectious Diseases, public health, community & Individual preparedness. NOTE: All AFD blogs are written by a human, any mistakes are solely mine. Eleven cases have been laboratory-confirmed for Andes virus (ANDV) infection, and two are probable cases. WHO has assessed the risk posed by this event to the global population as low and will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation and update the risk assessment as needed.