THE World Health Organization (WHO) in Eswatini says it is already supporting the ministry of health in terms of emergency preparedness and response relating to Hantavirus.
According to WHO Non-Communicable Diseases, Mental Health and Health Promotion Technical Officer Dr Nomthandazo Lukhele, when the first Hantavirus cases were identified on May 2, aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondiu, the first health agency to be consulted was the WHO. This was revealed by Lukhele during a meeting between the WHO Eswatini office and members of the media at the UN House yesterday.
Lukhele said WHO was at the forefront of the response. She stated that outbreaks and public health emergencies were no longer rare occurrences. She said countries needed to remain prepared and follow the guidance provided under the International Health Regulations.
According to news reports, three people have reportedly died because of the virus while 20 passengers aboard the cruise ship have been quarantined. The WHO has mobilised an international response, all linked to a single cruise ship, with the organisation confirming 11 cases, including three deaths among passengers from the cruise.
Neighbouring South Africa was also reportedly managing a rare travel-related Hantavirus outbreak, with 97 contacts traced after a British national was hospitalised in Johannesburg.
Dr Lukhele said in order to contain any outbreak, countries needed effective early detection systems. She added that this meant the public should be informed and surveillance systems strengthened in case any infections were detected.
“We need places for isolation, clinical treatment and contact tracing, not only for Hantavirus but for all public health emergencies, with WHO available to provide technical assistance to the ministry of health,” she said.
