Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship: 7 Cases Confirmed or Suspected, WHO Reports

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Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that seven cases of hantavirus infection have been identified or suspected aboard a cruise ship currently stranded in the Atlantic Ocean, raising concerns over a rare but serious outbreak at sea

According to WHO, the cases include two laboratory-confirmed infections and five suspected cases. The outbreak has already resulted in three deaths, while one passenger remains critically ill and others are showing milder symptoms.

The affected vessel, carrying around 150 passengers and crew from multiple nationalities, departed from Argentina in March on an expedition voyage and is now anchored off the coast of Cape Verde.

Health authorities have reported that symptoms among patients have included fever, gastrointestinal distress, and rapidly worsening respiratory complications. Some cases have required intensive care treatment, while emergency medical evacuations have been coordinated for the most severe patients.

WHO has stated that while hantavirus is a serious disease, it is typically transmitted through contact with infected rodents and not easily spread between humans. Limited human-to-human transmission has only been observed in rare strains.

International health teams are currently investigating the source of the outbreak, including whether infections occurred before boarding or during stops along the ship’s route. Preventive measures, isolation protocols, and onboard monitoring have been implemented to control further spread.