The World Health Organization has launched an emergency response following a suspected outbreak of Hantavirus infection that has claimed three lives and placed several others under medical observation.
The outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius, travelling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde. The patient being treated in Johannesburg tested positive for a hantavirus, a family of viruses that can cause hemorrhagic fever, South African spokesperson Foster Mohale said. (Photo by AFP)
The fatalities were recorded aboard a cruise ship travelling between Argentina and Cape Verde, raising international health concerns and prompting swift intervention by global and national authorities.
Health officials confirmed that one case has been laboratory-verified, while five additional suspected infections linked to the incident are currently under investigation. One affected patient is receiving intensive care treatment in South Africa.
The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Yakub Janabi, described the situation as serious but contained, urging calm among the public. He noted that the organisation’s response is focused on limiting the spread of the virus and providing support to affected countries.
According to the WHO, efforts are ongoing to coordinate medical evacuations in collaboration with national authorities and the vessel’s operators. Two symptomatic individuals are currently being evacuated for treatment, while other passengers and crew members remain under close health monitoring.
Investigations into the outbreak are continuing, including laboratory testing, epidemiological tracing, and genetic sequencing to better understand the strain and its transmission pattern.
WHO official Bhanu Bhatnagar explained that hantavirus infections are relatively rare and typically linked to exposure to infected rodents. The virus is primarily transmitted through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated environments.
Experts say human-to-human transmission is extremely rare, significantly reducing the likelihood of widespread outbreaks. Globally, hantavirus infections are estimated to range from 10,000 to over 100,000 cases annually, mostly in parts of Asia and Europe.
Symptoms usually appear within one to six weeks after exposure and may include fever, headache, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, the disease can progress rapidly and require intensive medical care.
The WHO said it has notified relevant countries under international health regulations and is preparing a formal outbreak update, while continuing to support containment efforts.
Despite the reported deaths, the agency maintains that the situation remains under control and poses a low risk to the general public.
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