The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed eight cases and three deaths linked to a hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius.
In an update released Saturday, WHO said six of the confirmed infections involve the Andes virus strain — the only known hantavirus capable of spreading from person to person. Four patients remain hospitalized.
The ship, carrying 147 passengers and crew from 23 nationalities, was travelling from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde when symptoms began appearing between April 6 and April 28.
According to WHO, patients experienced fever, gastrointestinal complications, rapid pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and shock.
Health authorities are investigating how the first case was exposed to the virus, while WHO and European disease control experts remain onboard to assist passengers and crew.
Despite international concern, WHO assessed the overall global risk as “low.”
The outbreak has prompted emergency responses from several countries. The United States confirmed it is arranging a repatriation flight for American passengers after the vessel sailed to Spain’s Canary Islands.
One suspected case was later ruled out after testing negative for the Andes virus through PCR and serology testing.
WHO said countries connected to the outbreak should maintain close monitoring, rapid isolation of suspected cases, and strict infection-control measures.
WHO Confirms Hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius Cruise ShipHowever, the agency noted there is currently no evidence supporting routine testing or quarantine for people without symptoms.
