The outbreak is tied to the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius, which sailed from Argentina to Cape Verde. Some of the ship's 147 passengers later travelled through South Africa. Health agencies are monitoring people who had contact with the ship.
On 13 May the WHO said 11 cases had been reported, including three deaths. Eight cases are confirmed as hantavirus, two are probable and one is inconclusive pending more tests. The virus involved is the Andes strain, found mainly in South America. WHO says person-to-person spread can happen but usually needs close, long contact, so overall risk is low.
Difficult words
- outbreak — sudden start of disease among many people
- monitor — watch people or data over timemonitoring
- confirm — say something is true after checkingconfirmed
- probable — likely but not completely certain
- inconclusive — not giving a clear result or decision
- strain — type or version of a virus or bacteria
- spread — movement of disease between people
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- If you had contact with someone from the ship, what would you do?
- Would you be worried to travel after this news? Why or why not?
- Do you think the risk from the virus is low or high? Why?
Related articles
Antibiotics on farms and rising resistance in East Africa
Antibiotic use on farms in parts of East Africa is increasing antimicrobial resistance. Poor access to veterinary care, weak rules and routine drug use on animals are driving resistant infections that affect people, animals and the environment.
Roads, isolation and more schizophrenia hospital visits
A study in New York City found that neighborhoods isolated by roads and traffic had higher rates of schizophrenia-related hospital visits. The link was independent of traffic-caused air pollution and may reflect social and planning factors.
Study finds many “clean” products for textured hair still risky
A new study examined 150 hair products labeled “Target Clean” from a Target store in South Los Angeles. Researchers compared ingredient lists with the EWG database and found many products still pose moderate health hazards.
