The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that additional hantavirus infections could still emerge following an outbreak linked to a cruise ship that has already claimed three lives.
Health officials say the outbreak remains “limited” for now, but caution that the incubation period of the Andes strain of hantavirus — which can spread between humans — means more cases may still be detected in the coming weeks.
The cases are connected to passengers aboard the MV Hondius, a cruise vessel operated by Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions.
WHO says situation is being closely monitored
Speaking in Geneva, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed that five cases and three suspected infections had so far been reported, including the three deaths.
Officials noted that the Andes strain involved in the outbreak differs from most hantavirus infections because it has the rare ability to spread from person to person.
Despite global concern, WHO officials insisted the situation is not comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is not the start of a pandemic,” said WHO epidemic preparedness director Maria Van Kerkhove. “This is not Covid.”
WHO emergency response officials added that the outbreak could remain contained if countries continue implementing public health measures and contact tracing.
Another passenger tests positive
Concerns intensified after another passenger linked to the cruise ship reportedly tested positive in Europe.
The infected individuals are either receiving treatment or isolating in several countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and South Africa.
According to officials, the ship is currently sailing toward Tenerife in Spain, with operators confirming that no symptomatic passengers remain onboard at the moment.
What is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly disease primarily spread through contact with infected rodents or their waste.
The illness can cause severe respiratory complications, internal bleeding, and cardiac distress.
Medical experts say there is currently no vaccine or specific cure for hantavirus, meaning treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms and supporting breathing functions.
The Andes strain, first identified in South America, is particularly concerning because it can spread between humans under close-contact conditions.
How the outbreak began
Investigators believe one passenger contracted the virus before boarding the cruise ship in Argentina and later infected others during the voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.
The first reported victim, a Dutch passenger, died aboard the ship in April after boarding in Ushuaia, Argentina.
His wife later travelled to South Africa, where she also died after testing positive for hantavirus.
A German passenger aboard the vessel also reportedly died from the infection.
Health authorities are now tracing passengers and crew members who travelled on the vessel or came into contact with infected individuals.
Countries on alert
The WHO says at least 12 countries have been notified after passengers disembarked from the cruise ship during various stops.
South African authorities are tracing passengers who travelled on a commercial flight with one infected traveller who showed symptoms during the journey.
Officials in Argentina have also launched rodent testing in Ushuaia to determine the possible source of the outbreak.
WHO urges calm
Although the outbreak has triggered international attention, health experts continue to stress that the public risk remains low.
Authorities say rapid isolation measures, monitoring of close contacts, and international cooperation are helping prevent wider transmission.
WHO officials have urged the public to remain informed but avoid panic as investigations continue into the unusual outbreak.
