A hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship has risen to eight identified cases, including three laboratory‑confirmed infections, as the World Health Organization (WHO) launches global contact tracing efforts. The outbreak has already claimed three lives, with at least four other passengers falling ill after the vessel sailed from Argentina and later reached waters off West Africa.
The WHO has confirmed that the virus involved is the rare Andes strain of hantavirus, primarily found in Argentina and Chile, which can spread between humans through close, prolonged contact. Health authorities in Switzerland and South Africa have confirmed cases in passengers who were evacuated from the ship, with one Dutch woman dying in South Africa and another British man still in intensive care.
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At least three infected individuals remain on board near Cape Verde, where evacuation plans are being arranged. The WHO is working with affected countries to monitor passengers, crew members and close contacts, provide medical support and prevent further spread of this rare but potentially severe infection.
