August M
Ukrainian health officials say dozens of hantavirus infections are recorded in the country every year following international concern over a deadly outbreak linked to a cruise ship voyage.
UKRINFORM reported that Ukraine’s Public Health Center sought to reassure the public while explaining how the virus spreads and how infections can be prevented.
Rodents spread virus
According to Public Health Center spokesperson Mykola Hanich, hantavirus in Ukraine is transmitted only from rodents to humans.
“In Ukraine, dozens of hantavirus infection cases are recorded annually, but this hantavirus is transmitted exclusively from rodents to humans,” Hanich said during a television broadcast.
He explained that infections can occur through contaminated dust, surfaces or food exposed to rodent waste.
Cleaning advice issued
Health officials warned that sweeping areas contaminated by rodents could increase the risk of infection by sending dangerous particles into the air.
Instead, the Public Health Center recommended wet cleaning methods using disinfectants and protective gloves.
UKRINFORM reported that the advice comes after renewed international attention on hantavirus following an outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius.
Cruise outbreak investigated
According to the report, three people died after the outbreak linked to the vessel, which travelled from Ushuaia in Argentina toward Cape Verde.
South African Health Ministry spokesperson Foster Mohale said around 150 tourists from different countries were aboard the ship.
Two passengers evacuated to the Netherlands were officially diagnosed with hantavirus, while a Swiss traveller later tested positive after returning home.
Ukrainians monitored
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry stated that five Ukrainian citizens were among the MV Hondius crew members.
According to UKRINFORM, officials said there had been no signs of deterioration in their health.
The vessel arrived at the Spanish port of Tenerife on May 10 as authorities continued monitoring the situation and tracing infections connected to the voyage.
Sources: UKRINFORM.
