WHO warns of more hantavirus cases after cruise ship outbreak kills three

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that additional hantavirus cases may emerge following an outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, where three passengers have died. However, health officials say the spread is likely to remain limited if strict public health measures are maintained.

The outbreak, involving a rare strain of hantavirus capable of limited human-to-human transmission, has triggered international concern as health authorities across multiple countries trace the infection chain. The vessel is currently en route to the Spanish Canary Islands as investigations continue.

According to WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, five confirmed and three suspected cases have been identified so far, including the three fatalities. He noted that due to the virus’s incubation period of up to six weeks, further cases cannot be ruled out.

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The first victims included a Dutch couple who had travelled through South America before boarding the ship in Ushuaia, Argentina. A German passenger also died later, while another infected passenger has since been identified in Europe. Cases or suspected infections have been reported in several countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and South Africa.

Health authorities in Argentina have said the origin of the outbreak remains unclear and investigations are ongoing, including testing rodents in the port city of Ushuaia, where the voyage began.

WHO emergency response officials said the situation is being closely monitored but stressed that the outbreak is expected to remain “limited” if coordinated international measures are implemented effectively.

Hantavirus is typically transmitted through infected rodents and can cause severe respiratory and cardiac complications. There are no vaccines or specific treatments available, making early detection and isolation critical.

Passengers on board reported that most travellers remained calm despite the deaths, although the journey was disrupted as several evacuees were removed from the ship during its voyage.

Authorities continue to track all passengers and crew who may have been exposed as part of a global contact tracing effort.