New hantavirus cases confirmed aboard cruise ship

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Health authorities have confirmed new cases of hantavirus linked to a multi-country outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, prompting international contact tracing and medical monitoring of passengers who were on board.

The outbreak has now been linked to multiple infections and several deaths, raising concern among global health agencies, although officials continue to emphasize that the overall public risk remains low.

What is happening on the cruise ship

According to updates from the World Health Organization (WHO):

• At least 5 confirmed cases and several additional suspected infections have been identified

• The outbreak has been linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare form that can, in limited cases, spread between humans through close contact

• The ship has reported multiple fatalities and critically ill passengers during the voyage

The vessel was carrying roughly 147–150 passengers and crew from more than 20 countries when the outbreak was detected.