The World Health Organization has confirmed a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship, with five laboratory-confirmed cases reported so far and concerns that additional infections could emerge due to the virus’s long incubation period.
According to the WHO, the confirmed cases are connected to the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius, where several passengers reportedly developed severe respiratory illness during the voyage. Three additional suspected cases are also under investigation.
Health officials say the outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare rodent-borne virus mainly found in South America that can spread through close and prolonged human contact in limited circumstances.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that more infections could still be detected because the incubation period for the virus can last up to six weeks.
The outbreak has already resulted in three deaths linked to the cruise ship cluster, according to international health authorities monitoring the situation.
Despite growing global attention, the WHO has assessed the overall public health risk as low and stated that the outbreak is not considered the beginning of another pandemic.
International health agencies are continuing contact tracing and monitoring passengers and crew members who may have been exposed during the voyage. The ship is reportedly heading toward the Canary Islands under strict health supervision.
Hantavirus infections are relatively rare but can become severe, causing symptoms such as fever, fatigue, respiratory distress and internal complications. The virus is commonly transmitted through exposure to infected rodents or contaminated surfaces.
The WHO says surveillance and preventive measures remain active as authorities work to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the virus.
