The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed five cases of hantavirus linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship, with three deaths reported so far. The virus, typically spread by rodents but rarely human-to-human, has led to passengers from at least 12 countries being monitored globally after disembarking.
Background of the Outbreak
The MV Hondius was denied docking in West Africa and the Canary Islands, and is now expected to dock in Tenerife, where non-Spanish citizens will be repatriated. Argentina is investigating if the outbreak originated in Ushuaia, with a leading hypothesis that a Dutch couple contracted the illness there.
Affected Countries
The countries affected are Argentina, Cape Verde, Netherlands, UK, US, Denmark, Germany, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and France. The WHO maintains the wider public health threat remains low.
Health authorities continue to monitor passengers for symptoms, given the virus's incubation period of up to six weeks. Further cases may emerge as monitoring continues.
