Hantavirus Outbreak Linked to Ornithologists' Visit in Argentina
Hantavirus Scare: How A Quest For Rare Species Led To 'Patient Zero's' Diagnosis
Ndtv
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Dutch ornithologists Leo and Mirjam Schilperoord visited a landfill near Ushuaia, Argentina, seeking a rare bird, which led to Leo being identified as 'patient zero' for a hantavirus outbreak. The couple's visit resulted in eight confirmed hantavirus cases, including three fatalities, but health officials assert there is minimal risk to global public health.
- 01Leo Schilperoord identified as 'patient zero' after visiting a landfill in Argentina.
- 02The couple contracted hantavirus from rat droppings at the site.
- 03Health authorities confirmed eight cases and three fatalities linked to the outbreak.
- 04The MV Hondius, where the couple traveled, has been involved in a complex repatriation process.
- 05Health officials emphasize low risk to global public health, distancing the situation from COVID-19.
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Dutch ornithologists Leo Schilperoord, 70, and his wife Mirjam Schilperoord fell victim to a hantavirus outbreak after visiting a landfill near Ushuaia, Argentina, on March 27. Their quest to see the rare Darwin's caracara bird led them to inhale particles from the droppings of long-tailed pygmy rice rats, carriers of the Andes type of hantavirus. Leo reported symptoms on April 6 and died shortly after, followed by Mirjam, who passed away on April 25 after being evacuated from the MV Hondius. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed eight cases, including three fatalities, across six nations. Health officials assert that there is little risk to global public health, contrasting the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. The MV Hondius has since docked in the Canary Islands for a repatriation operation involving passengers from nineteen countries.
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The hantavirus outbreak has raised health concerns in the local community and among travelers, prompting increased vigilance regarding rodent-borne diseases.
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