The World Health Organization is tracing dozens of contacts linked to a hantavirus cluster aboard the MV Hondius as it investigates whether limited human-to-human transmission occurred on the ship.
The focus has shifted from the initial outbreak to how the virus spread after early cases were likely infected before boarding. WHO officials say transmission between “close contacts,” including passengers sharing cabins, cannot be ruled out, although such spread remains rare.
Contact tracing is underway for people exposed to infected passengers, including those who traveled off the ship, as authorities try to map possible chains of transmission.
Seven cases have been identified among roughly 147 passengers and crew, including two confirmed infections and five suspected ones. Three people have died, while one patient remains in intensive care and others are being prepared for medical evacuation.
WHO officials believe the first infections were likely acquired in South America before the cruise began, given the virus’s incubation period, but are now examining whether secondary transmission occurred onboard.
The vessel remains off Cape Verde with passengers confined to cabins while health measures and evacuations continue. It is expected to proceed toward the Canary Islands for further investigation and disinfection.
Hantavirus is typically spread through contact with infected rodent droppings, but rare human-to-human transmission has been documented in specific strains. The WHO said the overall risk to the public remains low despite the cluster.
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