The World Health Organization says there may have been human-to-human transmission of hantavirus on a Dutch cruise ship where three passengers have died. While the virus is typically spread by rodents, WHO officials believe it spread among “really close contacts” aboard the MV Hondius, including couples sharing rooms. The risk to the public remains low.
The cruise ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, has been moored off Cape Verde since Monday. Seven cases have been identified, with two confirmed. The deceased include a Dutch couple and a German national. A British passenger was evacuated to South Africa. The WHO suspects the first person infected contracted the virus before boarding.
Spain has granted permission for the vessel to dock in the Canary Islands, though the Spanish health ministry says no final decision has been made. Two crew members with respiratory symptoms are set for medical evacuation to the Netherlands. The ship’s passengers remain in quarantine.