WHO: Cases of hantavirus detected on cruise ship in the Atlantic, three people have died

3 May 2026 Health injury

According to WHO data, currently one case of infection with the antibody virus has been laboratory confirmed, five more cases are considered suspicious. Of the six who fell ill, three have died, one patient is being treated in an intensive care unit in South Africa.

Specialists are thoroughly studying the situation, including conducting additional laboratory tests and epidemiological analysis. Medical assistance is provided to everyone on board, and virus sequencing also continues.

As explained by the WHO, infections caused by hantavirus are usually associated with environmental exposure, particularly contact with the urine or feces of infected rodents. In rare cases, transmission from person to person is possible. The illness can be severe, causing damage to the respiratory system, and requires careful monitoring and timely treatment.

VOZ coordinates interaction between the member states and the ship operator for the medical evacuation of two passengers with symptoms. At the same time, an assessment of risks to public health is conducted and support is provided to the remaining passengers and crew members.

“Operational and coordinated actions are crucial for containing threats and protecting public health,” says a statement by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, published on his page on the social network X.

The organization noted that they have already informed the national contact centers in accordance with international health regulations. An official statement about the outbreak will be published to the general public in the near future.

According to the WHO, the cruise ship on which infected individuals were found left port in Argentina three weeks ago and was heading to the Canary Islands. About 150 passengers from different countries around the world were on board.