The World Health Organization (WHO) has assured the public that there is no cause for panic following a suspected outbreak of rodent-borne hantavirus aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.
According to the UN health agency, the risk to the wider public remains low despite reports that three people have died and three others have fallen ill on board the vessel.
Netherlands-based Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed it was “managing a serious medical situation” on its polar expedition ship, MV Hondius, which was located off Cape Verde, an island nation along Africa’s western coast.
The cruise ship reportedly departed Argentina about three weeks ago with around 150 passengers, making stops in Antarctica before heading towards Cape Verde, according to international media reports.
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WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge, said there was no reason for alarm.
“The risk to the wider public remains low. There is no need for panic or travel restrictions,” he stated.
He added that the WHO was working urgently with relevant authorities to support response efforts, including medical care, evacuation procedures, and ongoing investigations into the situation.
“Hantavirus infections are uncommon and are usually linked to exposure to infected rodents. While severe in some cases, it is not easily transmitted between people,” Kluge explained.
A spokesperson for the Dutch Foreign Ministry confirmed that two Dutch passengers had died, but declined to provide further details on the circumstances.
The WHO also confirmed in a statement on X that one patient was receiving intensive care treatment in South Africa and was reported to be British.
Laboratory tests have so far confirmed hantavirus infection in one of the six reported cases, while investigations are ongoing to determine the source and full extent of the suspected outbreak.
