The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the number of hantavirus cases linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius has increased to eight, including three deaths, as global health authorities intensify monitoring and response efforts.
In its latest update released on Saturday, the WHO disclosed that the figures were accurate as of May 8, 2026, noting that investigations into the outbreak are still ongoing.
According to the organisation, six of the confirmed infections have been identified as the Andes virus strain, the only known hantavirus capable of spreading from person to person.
“As of 8 May, a total of eight cases, including three deaths, have been reported,” the WHO stated.
The agency explained that four infected individuals are currently hospitalised, while one previously suspected case was ruled out after laboratory testing returned negative results for the Andes virus.
Hantaviruses are zoonotic infections commonly carried by rodents, although human transmission is considered rare except in the case of the Andes strain.
The outbreak has been linked to passengers and crew aboard the MV Hondius, which travelled from Ushuaia in Argentina toward Cape Verde off the coast of West Africa.
The WHO said symptoms among affected individuals began appearing between April 6 and April 28.
Health officials revealed that patients experienced fever, gastrointestinal complications, rapid respiratory deterioration, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock.
The organisation added that epidemiological investigations are ongoing to determine the exact source of exposure and trace possible transmission routes.
WHO confirmed that one of its experts, alongside a specialist from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, is currently onboard the vessel assisting passengers, crew members and ship operators.
The organisation also stated that the overall global risk level remains low despite growing international concern surrounding the outbreak.
Passengers aboard the ship reportedly came from 23 different nationalities, including citizens of Britain, Spain and the United States, while some crew members were from the Philippines.
The MV Hondius was carrying a total of 147 people.
WHO disclosed that nationals from at least 12 countries had already left the ship during an earlier stop at Saint Helena Island on April 24.
Authorities in several countries have since begun tracing and monitoring contacts linked to confirmed cases.
In South Africa, health authorities identified 75 contacts linked to one infected passenger who travelled from Saint Helena.
According to WHO, 42 of those contacts have already been traced and placed under observation.
The organisation also reported that an adult male who disembarked at Tristan da Cunha on April 14 remains in stable condition while isolated pending laboratory confirmation of his status.
The United States government announced plans to evacuate American passengers from the vessel as it heads toward the Canary Islands in Spain.
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said officials were coordinating with Spanish authorities and other federal agencies to organise a repatriation flight.
“The Department of State is arranging a repatriation flight to support the safe return of American passengers on this ship,” the spokesperson said.
The statement added that American citizens onboard were being contacted directly and consular assistance would be provided once the vessel arrives in Tenerife, Spain.
Earlier reports from the ship operator indicated that 17 Americans were among the passengers onboard.
WHO Issues Public Health Guidance
The WHO said it has already distributed technical guidance documents to countries affected by the outbreak, including recommendations on case investigations, onboard management, passenger disembarkation and monitoring of returning travellers.
The organisation urged countries to maintain close public health coordination and continue surveillance activities involving passengers and crew members.
WHO also emphasised the importance of early detection, immediate isolation of suspected cases and strict infection prevention measures to protect healthcare workers and the public.
“Early recognition of suspected cases, prompt isolation, and consistent adherence to recommended infection prevention and control measures remain essential,” the organisation stated.
However, the agency noted that current evidence does not support routine laboratory testing or quarantine measures for people who show no symptoms.
