What We Know About the Cruise-Ship Hantavirus Outbreak

The hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius has grown to eight reported cases, including three deaths, according to the World Health Organization.

WHO said on May 7 that five of the eight cases had been confirmed as hantavirus. The agency said the outbreak involves the Andes strain, which can spread from person to person only rarely, and that the overall public-health risk remains low.

The cluster has triggered a multi-country response. UK Health Security Agency said on May 6 that three people, including one British national, had been evacuated to the Netherlands for medical care and that it was working with WHO and other partners.

Reuters reported on May 7 that countries were tracing passengers who had already disembarked, including around 40 who left the ship in St Helena. The report said the tracking effort was complicated by passengers spreading across multiple countries.

On May 8, The Guardian reported a third suspected British case linked to the outbreak. Available reporting did not confirm whether that case had been laboratory confirmed.

The situation remains fluid because some exposed passengers may still be within the incubation period and not yet symptomatic. Health agencies are continuing to monitor people who were on board or had contact with the affected travelers.