Health authorities across several countries are racing to trace and contain an outbreak of hantavirus after the World Health Organization confirmed five infections among people connected to the cruise ship MV Hondius, according to Antigua News Room.
The WHO made the announcement on Thursday. Three people connected to the vessel have died since April 11, while a number of others remain ill.
The virus is typically spread through contact with rodents, but WHO has indicated it may have passed from human to human aboard the ship — a development that has heightened concern among international health officials.
The outbreak was first reported to WHO on May 2. Despite the deaths and confirmed infections, the organization says the risk to the general public remains low.
Spanish authorities are preparing to conduct a full epidemiological investigation and disinfect the vessel once it docks in Tenerife in the Canary Islands. WHO believes the port has the appropriate conditions for passengers to safely disembark.
As reported by Antigua News Room, key questions surrounding the outbreak remain under active investigation, including the precise origin of the virus, the specific strain involved, the full scope of potential exposure among passengers and crew, and the timeline of infections. Health officials are also working to determine how long those exposed must monitor themselves for symptoms.
Authorities have not yet publicly disclosed all details regarding the nationalities of those who died or the current locations of all affected passengers.
The MV Hondius was photographed sitting off Praia, Cape Verde, on May 6, as international health and maritime officials continued to coordinate their response to the unfolding situation.
