A Monaghan GP says Hantavirus is not as easily spread as Covid 19, and there is no need for panic.
Dr Illona Duffy was speaking as concern has been raised this week as nearly 150 passengers and crew, including two Irish nationals, are confined to cabins on a cruise ship off Cape Verde.
This is following a suspected outbreak of Hantavirus on the MC Hondius.
Three people have died after becoming ill on board, while another person is in intensive care in South Africa and two others are awaiting medical evacuation.
The World Health Organisation says a rare virus linked to rats may have been passed between people on a cruise ship, with contact tracing and lab testing continuing.
Speaking on the Joe Finnegan show this morning, Dr Duffy said it is not usually spread from human contact.
