Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Off Cape Verde: WHO Confirms Cases, Three Deaths

The World Health Organization confirmed two cases of hantavirus on a marooned cruise ship near the Cape Verde islands. Seven individuals are confirmed or suspected cases, including three deaths. The virus, which is primarily rodent-borne, poses low risk to the wider public, but the ship remains in containment as investigations proceed.

The World Health Organization has confirmed two hantavirus cases on a cruise ship stranded near the Cape Verde islands. The WHO has marked five additional cases as suspected, pushing the total to seven incidents surrounding the virus on the vessel.

Despite the three resulting deaths—two Dutch nationals and a German—the UN health body notes the low risk to the broader public from this typically rodent-borne virus. However, there are indications of limited human-to-human transmission within some virus strains.

Medical teams are actively investigating the outbreak's source, while the ship’s operator considers relocating to Las Palmas or Tenerife for further assessments. Passengers remain confined to cabins, with plans still pending for disembarkation.