The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) is coordinating evacuations and risk assessments following the deaths of three people and multiple suspected infections. One patient remains in intensive care in South Africa.
To date, one case has been confirmed after laboratory verification, but there are five other suspected cases among those on board.
“This is a serious but contained event and there is no need to panic or restrict movement at this stage.» said Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
Focus on saving lives
“Our goal is clear: save lives, contain risks and ensure countries are fully supported through science-based actions.» he added.
Bhanu Bhatnagar of the agency said PK Press Club that virus infections are rare and usually linked to infected rodents.
“They can be serious in some cases and are not easily transmitted between people.The risk to the general public remains low at this time, and there is no reason for concern or travel restrictions.»
Worldwide, at least 10,000 and perhaps more than 100,000 infections occur each year; most are found in Asia and Europe.
In humans, symptoms typically begin between one and six weeks after exposure to an infected carrier and typically include fever, headache, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
International cooperation
The UN health agency is working closely with affected countries and ship operators to support medical care, coordinate evacuations and conduct a comprehensive health risk assessment.
Two symptomatic passengers are medically evacuated, while passengers and crew on board are provided monitoring and support.
Investigations into the outbreak are ongoing, including laboratory testing, 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 update on disease outbreaks.
