The World Health Organization said Thursday that a hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius does not represent the beginning of a new pandemic, as health authorities across several countries continue tracing passengers and monitoring potential infections.
The WHO confirmed five hantavirus cases and three suspected cases linked to the vessel, with three deaths reported so far.
Officials said the outbreak remains confined to the ship and poses a low public health risk.
The luxury cruise, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1 and is expected to arrive in Spain’s Canary Islands on May 10.
Dozens of passengers disembarked on the island of St. Helena on April 24 and later traveled to multiple countries.
Maria Van Kerkhove, acting director of epidemic and pandemic management at the WHO, said the situation differs significantly from the early spread of Covid-19.
“This is not SARS-CoV-2. This is not the start of a COVID pandemic,” she said during a press briefing.
WHO officials stated that hantavirus spreads through close and intimate contact, unlike airborne coronaviruses.
Passengers aboard the ship have been instructed to wear masks, while medical staff and close contacts are using higher levels of protective equipment.
Authorities in the Netherlands confirmed that two infected patients are hospitalized, while Singapore said two residents who traveled on the ship are isolated and awaiting test results.
France also confirmed that one national is being tested after showing mild symptoms following contact with a confirmed case.
Health agencies in the United States, Britain and other countries are conducting contact tracing and monitoring returning passengers.
The outbreak has involved passengers and crew from dozens of countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, Britain, Singapore and the United States.
The WHO said 29 passengers who disembarked in St. Helena traveled onward to at least 12 countries.
Three deaths linked to the outbreak include a Dutch couple and a German passenger.
Officials said additional cases may emerge because the incubation period for hantavirus can extend up to six weeks.
The WHO said it is coordinating with national authorities while developing guidance for passengers who left the vessel.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the risk to the American public remains “extremely low.”