Institute of Public Health on the cruise ship outbreak: No information that Montenegrin citizens are among those infected or suspected of infection

The Institute of Public Health of Montenegro currently has no information indicating that Montenegrin citizens are among those infected or among individuals suspected of infection on a passenger cruise ship flying the Dutch flag, according to a statement.

As stated, the Institute was officially informed by the National Focal Point for the International Health Regulations from the Netherlands about the registration of an outbreak of unknown origin.

According to the statement, information was received that there were 147 people on board, including 88 passengers from the following countries: the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany, Greece, Belgium, Poland, Ireland, Turkey, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Japan, the Philippines, Russia, Ukraine, Montenegro, India, Portugal, Guatemala, and the Netherlands.

- All individuals who developed symptoms experienced fever and an illness similar to influenza. Some reported gastrointestinal symptoms and extreme fatigue, while others developed pneumonia. According to available data, infections caused by hantavirus are suspected, including three fatal outcomes - the statement adds.

In accordance with its responsibilities, the Institute of Public Health of Montenegro has undertaken activities to collect additional information.

- After receiving responses from relevant international institutions, the public will be informed in a timely manner. Hantavirus infections are most commonly transmitted through contact with excretions of infected rodents, i.e., by inhaling particles contaminated with rodent urine, feces, or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare and is not typical for most hantaviruses. More information about this disease is available at https://www.ijzcg.me/me/misja-groznica - it adds.

The Institute of Public Health of Montenegro continues to monitor the situation and act in accordance with international health procedures and recommendations from relevant institutions.

- We ask the public and the media to stay informed through official sources and to avoid spreading unverified information, especially given that the investigation into the circumstances of the event is still ongoing - they added.