NAIROBI, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan authorities on Friday issued a public health advisory following a hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius.
The Ministry of Health confirmed that there are no reported cases in Kenya, with surveillance intensified at all points of entry, including airports and seaports.
"Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking precautionary measures," Patrick Amoth, the director general for health in the Ministry of Health, said in a statement.
He added that the ministry has activated precautionary measures, including enhanced surveillance and preparedness systems.
On Thursday, the World Health Organization said that five of the eight cases reported on board MV Hondius had been confirmed as hantavirus infections, while the other three were considered suspected cases.
Hantavirus is a viral disease primarily transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents such as rats and mice.
Infection can occur through inhaling contaminated dust, touching contaminated surfaces, or exposure to rodent droppings. In rare cases, certain strains, such as the Andes virus, can spread between humans through close contact. ■