What is the Andes virus? The hantavirus linked to outbreak on cruise is the deadliest strain
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
The strain of hantavirus that has caused the death of three people and has sickened five others on a cruise is the Andes strain, which is generally found in South America, including areas of Argentina, from where the luxury cruise MV Hondius set sail. This strain, which can lead to the most severe illness, is the only type known to be transmitted from person to person. As of Wednesday, eight cases had been reported; three have been confirmed as hantavirus through laboratory tests. Three people have died: a Dutch couple and another woman. One person is in intensive care in South Africa. Dr. Abraar Karan, an infectious disease specialist at Stanford Medicine, stated that the death of the 69-year-old woman, who was on a plane just 24 hours before passing away on April 26, 'shows how quickly this disease can progress.'
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
