Cruise Ship Hantavirus Outbreak: WHO Takes Charge as Death Toll Reaches 3

By Maryanne Awuya

The World Health Organization has launched an emergency response following a suspected outbreak ofi hantavirus infection linked to a cruise ship, with three deaths recorded and several others under medical observation.

The fatalities were reported among passengers aboard a cruise ship travelling between Argentina and Cape Verde, with health authorities confirming that one case has been verified through laboratory testing, while five additional cases remain under investigation. One patient is currently receiving intensive care in South Africa.

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Yakub Janabi, described the situation as serious but contained, urging calm among the public.

“This is a serious but contained event, and there is no need for panic or travel restrictions at this stage,” he said, adding that the organisation’s priority is to limit the spread of the virus and support affected countries.

“Our focus is clear: to save lives, contain risks, and ensure that countries are fully supported with science-based action,” he added.

The global health body said it is coordinating medical evacuations and working closely with national authorities and the vessel’s operators, Oceanwide Expeditions.

Two symptomatic individuals are currently being evacuated for treatment, while other passengers and crew remain under close health monitoring.

WHO official, Bhanu Bhatnagar, noted that hantavirus infections are relatively uncommon and are typically linked to exposure to infected rodents.

“They can be severe in some cases, and they are not easily transmitted between people. The risk to the wider public remains low at this time, and there’s no cause for concern or travel restrictions,” he said.

Health authorities explained that hantavirus is primarily spread through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, often in enclosed or poorly ventilated environments. Human-to-human transmission remains extremely rare, limiting the risk of widespread outbreaks.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing, including laboratory testing, epidemiological tracing and genetic sequencing to better understand the strain involved and its transmission pattern.

Globally, hantavirus infections are considered rare but can be severe, with thousands of cases recorded annually across parts of Asia and Europe. Symptoms typically begin with fever, headache and muscle aches, before progressing in severe cases to respiratory complications requiring intensive care.

Despite the fatalities, WHO maintains that the situation remains under control, with a low risk to the general public as response efforts continue.