A Swiss man who returned from a cruise linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak has tested positive and been isolated. Health officials confirm the Andes strain is involved, a rare form that can spread between people through close contact, though the overall risk remains low.
The MV Hondius, a Dutch-flagged vessel, is stranded off Cape Verde with nearly 150 passengers and crew. Three passengers have died, and several others are ill. The ship departed Argentina on April 1 with a planned route including Antarctica.
Swiss health officials say the man sought medical care after symptoms appeared and was immediately isolated. His wife is asymptomatic and self-isolating. South African authorities also identified the Andes strain in two other passengers.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus states three suspected cases are being evacuated to the Netherlands. Spain has agreed to receive the ship in the Canary Islands, despite local concerns. Hantavirus infections are rare but can cause severe respiratory illness.