The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that eight cases of hantavirus infection and two probable cases have been recorded following an outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, with nationals from six countries affected.
Three deaths have also been reported, including two confirmed cases and one probable case, according to WHO and various national health authorities.
Health officials said additional suspected infections and close contacts are still under investigation as efforts continue to trace the spread of the virus.
Passengers and crew were recently evacuated from the Dutch-flagged vessel, which has been at the centre of the outbreak.
The Netherlands recorded two deaths and one confirmed infection among its citizens.
A Dutch couple, who had travelled in South America before boarding the ship in Ushuaia, Argentina, were among the earliest victims.
The husband, aged 70, developed symptoms on April 6 and died on April 11. His body was later removed from the ship during a stopover at Saint Helena.
He was classified as a probable case as no test was conducted before death.
His 69-year-old wife also fell ill and was evacuated but later died in hospital in Johannesburg. Her infection was confirmed on May 4.
A third Dutch national, the ship’s doctor, later tested positive for the Andes strain after showing symptoms in late April and was evacuated in stable condition.
The United Kingdom has confirmed two infections and one probable case.
One British man developed fever and pneumonia symptoms on April 24 and was evacuated to South Africa, where he was placed in intensive care.
His infection was confirmed as the Andes strain on May 2.
A second British national, who worked as a guide on the ship, also tested positive and was evacuated for treatment in isolation.
A third British passenger is considered a probable case after developing symptoms while in isolation on Tristan da Cunha.
In Germany, a woman who developed fever and pneumonia on board died on May 2. Tests later confirmed infection with the Andes virus.
A Swiss national tested positive after developing symptoms following evacuation and treatment in isolation.
France reported a confirmed case in a repatriated female passenger who fell ill after returning home.
In the United States, one of 17 repatriated citizens tested mildly positive, while another showed mild symptoms under observation.
Health authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the outbreak and prevent further spread.
Evacuations from the vessel continue, while close contacts and suspected cases are being monitored across multiple countries.
The WHO said further updates would depend on laboratory confirmations and ongoing surveillance of affected passengers and crew.
