Several people on the cruise ship Hondius have fallen ill as a result of the virus outbreak. According to the WHO, eight cases have now been confirmed, and three suspected cases are under investigation.
"Eight cases have been laboratory confirmed as Andes virus infections; two are probable cases and one case is still unclear and undergoing further testing," the WHO said in its latest update on the outbreak on Wednesday.
All of the confirmed infected people were on board Hondius. Three people have died in connection with the outbreak.
Facts: Hantavirus
Hantavirus infections are caused by around 35 closely related hantavirus variants reported worldwide.
Hantavirus infection is a zoonosis, meaning a disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans. For one variant, the Andes virus, which is mainly found in South America, human-to-human transmission has been demonstrated.
In Sweden, only the Puumala virus variant, which causes the disease known as bat fever, is found.
Each hantavirus has a specific rodent species as its host. Hantavirus does not normally cause disease in rodents, but they can carry the virus for a long time. Viruses are excreted in the urine, feces, and saliva of infected rodents.
Depending on the type of hantavirus, infections can range from completely asymptomatic to very severe forms of hemorrhagic fever or acute pulmonary syndrome with a high mortality rate.
Source: Public Health Agency of Sweden
