Hantavirus Scare: Relief as Italian Cases Test Negative

In a significant relief to public health concerns, four individuals in Italy suspected of carrying the hantavirus have tested negative, according to a statement from the Italian health ministry on Wednesday.

The suspected cases included an Argentine tourist hospitalized with pneumonia, a man from Calabria, a British tourist in Milan, and his traveling companion. All tests conducted across hospitals in Rome and Milan confirmed the absence of the virus.

The WHO has updated its case count following an outbreak linked to the MV Hondius ship in the Canary Islands, noting three deaths and nine confirmed cases. However, officials stress that the threat level remains very low for now.

(With inputs from agencies.)