World Health Organization has confirmed two cases of hantavirus and identified five additional suspected infections aboard a cruise ship stranded off the coast of Cape Verde, with three deaths already recorded.
According to the WHO, the outbreak involves a cluster of severe respiratory illnesses affecting passengers and crew on the vessel, with one patient currently in critical condition and others under close medical observation.
Health authorities are also tracing contacts beyond the ship.
The WHO said it is working to reach passengers who were on an April 25 flight between Saint Helena and Johannesburg, after one infected passenger traveled on the route and died the following day.
The ship, carrying around 150 people, has been unable to dock as containment measures remain in place, with passengers largely confined to their cabins while investigations continue.
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal disease typically transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents, particularly via urine, droppings, or saliva. While human-to-human transmission is uncommon, the WHO noted that limited spread has been observed in rare cases involving specific strains.
Despite the seriousness of the outbreak, the WHO has assessed the overall risk to the global public as low, adding that it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating response efforts with international health authorities.
RN
