The World Health Organization says health authorities across multiple countries are monitoring passengers connected to the cruise ship MV Hondius following a hantavirus outbreak that has already claimed three lives.
According to WHO, five confirmed infections have been linked to the vessel, which departed from Argentina last month. The fatalities include a Dutch couple and a German national.
Authorities say about 146 passengers and crew members from 23 countries remain onboard under strict precautionary measures as the ship heads toward the Canary Islands, where it is expected to arrive in Tenerife this weekend.
Countries Monitoring Exposed Passengers
Health agencies in several countries are now tracing and monitoring passengers who previously disembarked from the ship:
- Netherlands: Several passengers are receiving treatment, while a KLM crew member exposed to a victim is undergoing testing.
- South Africa: A British passenger remains in intensive care in Johannesburg.
- Switzerland: A returning passenger tested positive and is receiving care in Zurich.
- United Kingdom: Several British nationals are isolating after possible exposure.
- United States: Health officials are monitoring passengers in states including Georgia and Arizona.
- Singapore: Two men are in self-isolation and undergoing testing.
