The World Health Organization has confirmed it is monitoring a suspected outbreak of hantavirus after multiple deaths were reported aboard a cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean.
According to initial reports, six passengers were affected during the incident, with three fatalities confirmed and one person in intensive care in South Africa.
WHO coordinating response
The WHO said it is working with member states and the ship’s operators to coordinate medical evacuation efforts and assess public health risks linked to the incident.
The agency has not officially named the vessel or its operator, although sources cited by media reports suggest the ship involved may be the MV Hondius, which was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde.
Passengers affected during voyage
Authorities are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspected outbreak, which reportedly developed while the vessel was at sea.
A Dutch Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed that two Dutch nationals were among those who died, though further details have not been released.
Meanwhile, reports from South African health officials indicate that a British tourist is being treated in hospital after showing symptoms linked to the suspected infection.
International monitoring underway
The UK Foreign Office is reportedly monitoring the situation closely and remains in contact with both the cruise operator and local authorities.
Health agencies across multiple countries are now involved in tracking potential exposure and ensuring containment measures are in place.
Awaiting official confirmation
Neither the British Foreign Office nor South Africa’s Department of Health has issued detailed public statements so far, and investigations into the exact source and spread of the infection are ongoing.
For now, health officials are treating the situation as a serious but contained maritime outbreak while further laboratory confirmation is awaited.
