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What to know about hantavirus, the illness linked to a cruise ship outbreak

What to know about hantavirus, the illness linked to a cruise ship outbreak

A suspected outbreak aboard a cruise ship of a rare, a rodent-borne illness called hantavirus has left three people dead and sickened others
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Global Midwifery Shortage Highlights Need for Increased Support and Resources

Global Midwifery Shortage Highlights Need for Increased Support and Resources

A significant global shortage of midwives is impacting maternal and neonatal health, with research indicating that nearly 1 million more midwives are needed worldwide. A study published in Lancet Global Health suggests that increasing midwife numbers to universal coverage could prevent 67% of maternal deaths, 64% of neonatal deaths, and 65% of stillbirths annually. Ethiopia, highlighted as a success story, has increased its midwife numbers from just over 1,000 in 2008 to over 20,000 today. However, the U.S. Agency for International Development's recent aid cuts have adversely affected maternal health projects, complicating access to essential drugs and services.
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Argentina Investigates Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship with U.S. Passengers

Argentina Investigates Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship with U.S. Passengers

Argentina is investigating a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which departed from the country and has seen several passengers return to their home countries, including the U.S. The World Health Organization ranks Argentina as having the highest incidence of hantavirus in Latin America. The outbreak has resulted in three deaths and several infections, with passengers being monitored in various countries. The Argentine health ministry is working to trace the source of the virus, which is believed to be linked to climate change and increased rodent populations. The virus can cause severe lung disease and is typically spread through contact with infected rodents.
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Hantavirus Outbreak on Dutch Cruise Ship Leads to Monitoring in U.S. States

Hantavirus Outbreak on Dutch Cruise Ship Leads to Monitoring in U.S. States

A hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship has resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a Dutch couple and a German national. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed five cases of the virus, with eight people suspected of being infected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring travelers from the U.S. states of California, Georgia, and Arizona who were on the ship, although none have shown symptoms. The virus, primarily spread by rodents, can cause severe respiratory illness. The ship, which had passengers disembark in St. Helena, is continuing its voyage to Spain's Canary Islands.
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Why Pneumonia and Malaria Remain Top Threats to Infants

Why Pneumonia and Malaria Remain Top Threats to Infants

Infant mortality refers to the death of infants under one year of age and is a critical indicator of a nation's health. It is measured by the infan...
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U.S. States Monitor Hantavirus Cruise Ship Passengers

U.S. States Monitor Hantavirus Cruise Ship Passengers

Officials in Arizona and Georgia are monitoring passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship, which experienced a hantavirus outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed five cases of hantavirus among the ship's passengers. Despite the outbreak, the WHO has stated that the overall public health risk remains low, with limited person-to-person transmission. More than 100 passengers remain on the ship, and their health is being closely monitored. The situation is part of a broader effort by global health authorities to contain the disease and prevent further spread.
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WHO Pandemic Treaty Stalled as Nations Fail to Agree on Pathogen Sharing

WHO Pandemic Treaty Stalled as Nations Fail to Agree on Pathogen Sharing

Negotiations for a global pandemic treaty have stalled as countries failed to reach an agreement on the 'pathogen access and benefit sharing' (Pabs) system. This system is crucial for the World Health Organization's (WHO) pandemic agreement, which aims to govern global responses to future disease outbreaks. The delay is seen as a significant setback, with former leaders Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Helen Clark expressing regret over the missed deadline ahead of the World Health Assembly in Geneva. The treaty, initially proposed in 2021, has been hindered by mistrust between richer and poorer nations, exacerbated by disinformation on social media. The treaty was passed in 2025 but requires further negotiations on Pabs before it can be fully implemented.
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Hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius Results in Multiple Deaths

Hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius Results in Multiple Deaths

A hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship has led to the deaths of three passengers. The ship, currently off the coast of Cape Verde, has not been allowed to dock due to health concerns. Boston-based travel blogger Jake Rosmarin, onboard the ship, shared an emotional video detailing the situation. The outbreak has affected 149 passengers from 23 countries, including 17 U.S. nationals. Health workers have boarded the ship to evacuate two ill passengers, and the World Health Organization is involved in managing the situation.
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CDC says monitoring US travelers on cruise ship after hantavirus outbreak

CDC says monitoring US travelers on cruise ship after hantavirus outbreak

May 6 (Reuters) - The United States is closely monitoring the situation with U.S. travelers on board the luxury cruise ship that was hit by a hantavirus outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Wednesday.
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Countries scramble to track passengers of virus-hit cruise ship

Countries scramble to track passengers of virus-hit cruise ship

By Bart H. Meijer AMSTERDAM, May 7 (Reuters) - Countries worldwide scrambled on Thursday to trace people who had left the cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak before it got marooned off the coast of Cape Verde, in an effort to prevent further spread of the disease.
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New Strategy Aims to Enhance Maternal Health Through Home Visiting Programs

New Strategy Aims to Enhance Maternal Health Through Home Visiting Programs

The Health Resource and Service Administration has released the National Home Visiting Workforce Strategy, a plan designed to expand the professional infrastructure supporting maternal health. This strategy aims to address the gap in support for mothers during the critical postpartum period by enhancing home visiting programs. These programs connect families with trained professionals who provide health screenings, support for housing and food instability, and coordination with medical providers. Despite the proven effectiveness of home visiting in improving maternal and child health outcomes, the workforce has not kept pace with demand, with compensation often falling below competitive levels. The strategy seeks to build a sustainable workforce to extend these services to more families.
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Cruise Ship Anchored After Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak Leaves Three Dead

Cruise Ship Anchored After Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak Leaves Three Dead

A suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship has resulted in the deaths of three individuals, according to the World Health Organization. The ship, currently anchored off Cape Verde, has 149 people on board, including 17 Americans. Health officials are assessing the situation as several crew members have shown symptoms of the virus. The outbreak has raised concerns about the safety and health protocols on cruise ships, especially in light of previous incidents involving infectious diseases.