The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday confirmed that five cases of hantavirus linked to an outbreak aboard the Atlantic cruise ship MV Hondius have tested positive, while three additional cases remain under investigation.
The global health body also warned that more infections could still emerge due to the virus’ incubation period, which can last up to six weeks.
WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, disclosed the development during a briefing in Geneva, stating that eight cases had so far been reported, including three fatalities.
“So far, eight cases have been reported, including three deaths. Five of the eight cases have been confirmed as hantavirus and the other three are suspected,” Tedros said.
He revealed that the outbreak involved the Andes virus strain, a rare form of hantavirus found in South America and the only known strain capable of human-to-human transmission.
The Dutch-flagged exploration vessel departed Ushuaia on April 1 for a northbound Atlantic voyage to Cape Verde before continuing toward Tenerife.
Tedros said he had maintained regular communication with the ship’s captain and noted that morale among passengers and crew had improved after the vessel resumed movement.
“He told me morale has improved significantly since the ship started moving again. I thank him for everything he has done to protect those under his duty of care,” he added.
WHO emergency alert and response director, Abdi Rahman Mahamud, expressed optimism that the outbreak could still be contained if strict health measures were maintained.
“We believe this will be a limited outbreak if the public health measures are implemented and solidarity shown across all countries,” Mahamud said.
Hantavirus is a rare disease commonly transmitted through exposure to infected rodents, particularly via their urine, saliva, or droppings.
According to WHO, Argentina will supply 2,500 diagnostic kits to laboratories across five countries to strengthen surveillance and testing efforts.
The agency also disclosed that 12 countries had been notified after passengers disembarked the MV Hondius on Saint Helena between April 22 and 24.
The affected countries include United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United States.
The ship’s operator earlier confirmed that 30 passengers left the vessel at Saint Helena, including the first reported fatality — a Dutch national who died on April 11.
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