The World Health Organisation (WHO) is closely monitoring a rare outbreak of hantavirus. This virus causes severe respiratory illness. Seven cases have been reported on a Dutch-flagged cruise ship. Three people have died from the illness.
The ship carried 147 people. This included 88 passengers and 59 crew members. They came from 23 different countries. The vessel started its journey from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026. It visited remote areas like Antarctica and South Georgia.
As of May 4, health officials found two cases of hantavirus. They also identified five suspected cases. One person is in critical condition in South Africa. Three others with mild symptoms remain on the ship. The ship is currently near Cabo Verde. Hantavirus is often spread by contact with rodents. It can cause serious breathing problems and death. The WHO is investigating how people were exposed.
The first case was an adult male. He had a fever and headache on April 6. His condition worsened quickly. He died on the ship on April 11. A second case was a close contact. She fell ill after leaving the ship at Saint Helena on April 24. She later died in South Africa on April 26. Laboratory tests confirmed she had hantavirus. A third patient was taken from Ascension Island to South Africa. He has pneumonia and breathing difficulties. He is in intensive care.
The WHO stated that human-to-human transmission of hantavirus is rare. It has been seen with only certain strains of the virus. Investigations are ongoing to find the source of the outbreak. Authorities in Cabo Verde, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, and the United Kingdom are working together. They are conducting tests and tracing contacts.
Passengers have been told to stay in their cabins. They should also practice physical distancing. They need to watch for symptoms for up to 45 days. The WHO believes the risk to the general public is low. They have not recommended travel bans. The WHO urges travelers and healthcare workers to be careful in areas where hantavirus is common. Early detection and prevention are important. There is no medicine or vaccine for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. However, early supportive care in intensive care units can help survivors.