Five hantavirus cases confirmed with number expected to rise

The number of confirmed cases of hantavirus has risen to five following an outbreak on MV Hondius.

Tedros Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organisation, said another two cases have been confirmed since this morning, bringing the total up to five.

Another three suspected cases have also been reported.

But this number may rise as the incubation period of the virus can last up to six weeks.

Authorities are also searching for seven British nationals who disembarked the hantavirus-hit cruise ship.

Some 30 people left the ship at St Helena after the first victim died on MV Hondius, including a woman who also died a few days later in Johannesburg after contracting the virus.

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