The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that hantavirus cases have been detected in Switzerland, including an infection identified in a cruise ship passenger.

According to the WHO, Swiss authorities confirmed that a passenger from the cruise vessel MV Hondius tested positive for hantavirus after being admitted to a hospital in Zurich following a health alert issued by the ship operator.

The patient reportedly sought medical attention after receiving an email notification from the vessel’s operator regarding a suspected infectious disease incident onboard.

International contact tracing launched

Under the International Health Regulations (IHR), the WHO said it is coordinating with relevant countries to trace contacts and monitor potential transmission chains.

Laboratory analysis confirmed that the virus involved was the Andes strain of hantavirus, with verification carried out by institutions including South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases and Switzerland’s Geneva University Hospitals.

Additional support in the investigation has been provided by the Institut Pasteur de Dakar in Senegal and Argentina’s national health laboratory authority.

Eight cases identified

Authorities linked to the MV Hondius incident have so far identified a total of eight cases, with three confirmed through laboratory testing as hantavirus infections.

The WHO said monitoring of passengers, crew members, and contacts is ongoing, and that coordination with national health authorities continues in order to prevent further spread of the virus. (ILKHA)