WHO says six hantavirus cases confirmed so far

• WHO confirms five cases and three deaths in rare Andes hantavirus outbreak linked to South Atlantic cruise.

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed on Thursday that five cases of the rare Andes hantavirus have been laboratory-verified following a deadly cluster of respiratory illness aboard an international cruise ship.

Of the eight total cases reported so far linked to the Dutch-flagged vessel MV Hondius, three people have died. The outbreak has triggered a multi-country contact-tracing effort as health authorities scramble to monitor passengers who disembarked at various ports.

Timeline of the Outbreak

The cruise began its journey on April 1, departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, for a voyage across the South Atlantic. According to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the suspected "index case" was a Dutch man who developed symptoms on April 6 and died while the ship was at sea on April 11.

• April 25: The man's wife, who had disembarked at Saint Helena, became severely ill during a flight to Johannesburg. She died the following day.
• May 2: A third death was reported on board the ship.
• May 7: WHO confirms the total count of laboratory-confirmed cases has reached five, with three additional suspected cases still under investigation.

The "Andes" Variant and Human Transmission

While most hantaviruses are contracted through direct contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, the Andes virus variant is unique.

"The species of hantavirus involved in this case is the Andes virus, found in Latin America, and is the only species known to be capable of limited transmission between humans," Dr. Tedros stated during a media briefing.

Health experts believe the initial exposure likely occurred during a bird-watching excursion in South America prior to embarkation. The close quarters of the cruise ship are thought to have facilitated the subsequent person-to-person spread.

Global Response

The MV Hondius is currently continuing toward Tenerife in the Canary Islands, with an expected arrival on May 10. Medical evacuations have already taken place:

• One patient remains in intensive care in South Africa.
• Three symptomatic passengers were evacuated to the Netherlands.
• One confirmed case was identified in Switzerland after a passenger disembarked and traveled home.

Public Risk Assessment

The WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have emphasized that the risk to the general public remains very low. Andes hantavirus does not spread easily like the flu or COVID-19; it typically requires prolonged, intimate contact with an infected individual who is already showing symptoms.

Authorities in 12 countries, including the US, UK, and Germany, are currently monitoring passengers who may have had contact with the confirmed cases. Travelers are advised to seek medical attention if they develop sudden fever, muscle aches, or shortness of breath within four weeks of traveling to the affected region.