WHO says eight hantavirus cases have now been reported on the MV Hondius, including three deaths, and that it is coordinating an international response as tracing and testing continue.
The World Health Organization said on Thursday that eight hantavirus cases have now been reported in connection with the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak, including three deaths.
WHO said five of the eight cases have been confirmed as hantavirus, and that the virus involved is Andes virus. The agency said the overall public health risk remains low.
The update marks an increase from WHO's outbreak notice on May 4, which said seven cases had been identified at that point. WHO said more cases may still emerge because of the incubation period.
According to WHO, an expert has been deployed on board the ship, 2,500 diagnostic kits have been sent to laboratories in five countries, and disembarkation guidance is being prepared. The agency said it is coordinating a multi-country response.
AP and other outlets reported that health officials are tracing passengers who left the ship before the outbreak was confirmed. That tracing effort is now part of the wider response as authorities work to identify any additional cases.
WHO has stressed that Andes virus is the hantavirus species known for limited human-to-human transmission and said the current global risk remains low. The agency said it will continue working with partners as testing and follow-up continue.
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