Three people with suspected hantavirus infections were evacuated from the cruise ship MV Hondius off the coast of Cape Verde on Wednesday, flown to the Netherlands for specialized care. Two are in serious condition; the third is asymptomatic but closely associated with a passenger who died on May 2.
The World Health Organization reports eight cases linked to the outbreak, with three confirmed by lab testing as the Andes strain of hantavirus-the only strain known to spread from person to person. Three people have died.
A Swiss passenger who traveled on the first leg of the voyage, from Ushuaia to St. Helena, has tested positive and is being treated at University Hospital Zurich. He is in isolation. The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health says the risk to the Swiss public remains low.
The ship's doctor, initially slated for evacuation to the Canary Islands, was instead transferred to the Netherlands after his condition improved.
Spain has agreed to receive asymptomatic passengers at the Canary Islands, expected within 72 to 96 hours. Active cases will be evacuated directly to high-isolation hospital units. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the overall public health risk remains low.
There is no specific treatment or cure for hantavirus, but early medical care improves survival chances. The virus is primarily spread through rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, often inhaled when disturbed.