Italy and Spain Report No Hantavirus After Cruise Ship Outbreak

Italy and Spain have reported that all 17 people monitored for possible hantavirus infection have tested negative. European countries are nonetheless tightening surveillance following an outbreak on a luxury cruise ship during an expedition from Argentina.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that more cases may emerge but stressed that the situation does not constitute a pandemic. Hantavirus spreads mainly through rodents and only very rarely between people in close contact.

Three people have died since the outbreak: a Dutch couple and a German citizen. The WHO has confirmed nine cases and lists two further cases as suspected. As the incubation period can last up to six weeks, several countries have introduced quarantine measures.

In Italy, four people were tested, including an Argentine tourist hospitalised with pneumonia and a British tourist in Milan. All results were negative. Spain confirmed negative PCR tests for 13 people quarantined at a military hospital in Madrid, though one patient experienced temporary breathing difficulties. France is awaiting results for a further 22 contacts.

European health ministers are discussing a coordinated response to the possible spread of the virus.

(reuters, max)