Possible case of hantavirus in Alicante, Spain: woman traveled on plane next to infected passenger, later died
Spanish authorities are investigating a possible case of hantavirus in Alicante province after a 32-year-old woman showed symptoms consistent with the infection, health officials said Friday.
Results will be available in 24-48 hours. PHOTO Shutterstock
According to the Secretary of State for Health, Javier Padilla, the woman was on the same plane as a passenger who died in Johannesburg after traveling on the MV Hondius cruise ship and contracting the virus, Reuters reports.
Health authorities confirmed the presence of the Andes strain of hantavirus on board the ship — a variant that can be transmitted from person to person, usually only through close contact.
In a statement published on the website of the regional health department, it is stated that the woman presents “mild respiratory symptoms” and is transferred to a hospital in the city of Alicante, where she will be tested for the virus. The results are expected in 24-48 hours,
The Secretary of State for Health stated that the woman, a resident of Alicante, was “two rows behind” the infected passenger, but the contact between them “a been short”, since this one “he stayed a little while on board” during the flight.
The health authorities of Valencia have already started identifying the people with whom the woman came into contact in recent days.
Symptoms can be severe
The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided new details about the outbreak of hantavirus among passengers on a ship that left Argentina for Antarctica.
At first, the symptoms of hantavirus may resemble those of the flu. Fever, chills, muscle pain (especially in the thighs, back and hips), severe fatigue and headaches occur. In some cases, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain may also be present.
After a few days, the disease can progress to more severe forms, in which a dry cough and breathing difficulties appear, caused by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. In severe cases, the infection can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a complication that requires emergency medical care and admission to intensive care.
