Hantavirus strain identified by Geneva hospital

Geneva University Hospital - file image

Swiss health authorities are closely monitoring a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship voyage after a Swiss passenger tested positive and was hospitalized in Zurich.

The man had recently returned from South America aboard the MV Hondius, where several infections and three deaths have been reported. His wife has been placed in isolation.

Specialists at Geneva University Hospital have identified the virus strain as the “Andes” variant - the only known hantavirus capable of human-to-human transmission.

The Federal Office of Public Health says the overall risk to the public remains low, but officials are continuing investigations alongside international health authorities.

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