08.05.2026 01:24
The hantavirus that caused the death of 3 people on a passenger ship traveling from Argentina to Cabo Verde in West Africa is spreading. After Singapore and Switzerland, the first case was also reported in Israel. It is believed the patient became infected while staying in Eastern Europe a few months ago.
In Israel, a hantavirus was detected in a person who is believed to have been infected several months ago while staying in Eastern Europe and sought medical help after symptoms appeared.
HIS CONDITION IS STABLE AND UNDER OBSERVATION
According to the Maariv newspaper report, this marks the first time a hantavirus has been detected in an individual following an incident on a cruise ship traveling from Argentina to Cabo Verde in West Africa, which resulted in three deaths.
The report stated that a person who had stayed in Eastern Europe several months ago sought medical help after symptoms appeared, and hantavirus was detected in antibody and PCR tests.
The report noted that the patient's condition is stable, with no need for intensive care or quarantine, although he is being kept under observation. No information about the patient's identity was shared.
HANTAVIRUS
Hantavirus was detected in passengers of the MV Hondius, a ship traveling from Argentina to Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) in West Africa, and three people infected with the virus died. Hantavirus cases have also been detected in Singapore and Switzerland.
Hantavirus is known as a disease mostly transmitted by rodents. The virus spreads through inhaling air contaminated with dried rodent feces, urine, and saliva, and sometimes through rodent bites or scratches, causing symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and muscle pain. The virus can also lead to respiratory failure and, in some cases, manifests as internal bleeding and kidney failure.