The World Health Organization's European office says there is a low risk to the public following a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship that has left three people dead.
"The risk to the wider public remains low. There is no need for panic or travel restrictions," said Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, adding that hantavirus infections are uncommon and usually linked to exposure to infected rodents.
Three people died on board the MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions. Two died at sea, and one after disembarking. A fourth passenger is in intensive care in Johannesburg, and two others need urgent medical care.
Dutch authorities are working to repatriate the two symptomatic passengers still on the ship from Cape Verde to the Netherlands. The WHO says it is acting with urgency to support the response.
Hantavirus has been confirmed in the passenger in intensive care, but authorities have not yet determined if the virus caused the three deaths.