The World Health Organization has confirmed eight cases of hantavirus infection, including three deaths, linked to an outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius.
In an update released by the global health body, said the figures represent an increase from the seven cases earlier reported, adding that six of the infections have been confirmed as the Andes virus strain — the only hantavirus known to spread from person to person.
“As of this month, a total of eight cases, including three deaths, have been reported,” WHO stated.
According to the organisation, four patients are currently hospitalised, while one previously suspected case was ruled out after laboratory tests, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serology, returned negative for the Andes virus.
Hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses commonly carried by rodents but can occasionally infect humans, causing severe respiratory illnesses.
WHO said investigations are ongoing to determine the source of exposure, including the travel history and possible contact points of the first identified patient.
The outbreak occurred aboard the MV Hondius during a voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde, off the coast of West Africa. WHO noted that symptoms among infected passengers began last month and were “characterised by fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, rapid progression to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock.”
To support containment efforts, WHO disclosed that one of its experts, alongside a specialist from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, is currently on board the vessel assisting passengers, crew members, and ship operators.
Despite growing international concern, WHO assessed the overall global risk posed by the outbreak as “low,” while stressing that it would continue monitoring developments closely.
The MV Hondius reportedly carried 147 people from 23 nationalities, including passengers from Britain, Spain, and the United States, as well as crew members from the Philippines.
WHO further revealed that nationals from at least 12 countries had already disembarked from the vessel on the remote British territory of Saint Helena last month.
Meanwhile, the United States government announced plans to evacuate American citizens aboard the affected ship after it sailed to the Canary Islands in Spain.
“The Department of State is arranging a repatriation flight to support the safe return of American passengers on this ship,” a US State Department spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that Washington was coordinating with Spanish authorities and other federal agencies, noting: “We are in direct communication with Americans on board and are prepared to provide consular assistance as soon as the ship arrives in Tenerife, Spain.”
The ship operator had earlier confirmed that 17 Americans were among those onboard.
WHO also disclosed that an adult male who disembarked in Tristan da Cunha last month remains in isolation and is currently classified as a probable case pending laboratory confirmation.
In South Africa, health authorities have identified 75 contacts linked to one confirmed case who travelled on the same flight from Saint Helena. WHO said 42 of the contacts have already been traced and placed under monitoring.
The organisation said it had issued technical guidance documents to countries affected by the outbreak, covering shipboard management, case investigation, passenger disembarkation, and monitoring of returning travellers.
WHO urged countries involved to strengthen public health coordination and maintain strict infection prevention and control measures.
“Early recognition of suspected cases, prompt isolation, and consistent adherence to recommended infection prevention and control measures remain essential to protect healthcare personnel, other passengers, and crew members,” the statement said.
It added that current evidence does not support routine laboratory testing or quarantine for asymptomatic contacts.
