WHO confirms Andes strain of hantavirus in cruise ship passengers

Health authorities have confirmed the Andes strain of hantavirus in passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, where several people have become ill during a voyage that began in Argentina in late March. Three passengers, including the ship’s doctor, were flown from Cape Verde to the Netherlands for treatment on Wednesday. Officials said one new case is suspected, while other passengers remaining on board were reported to be without symptoms. The World Health Organization said the overall public health risk remains low, but the Andes strain is notable because it is the only hantavirus type confirmed to spread between people, usually through close contact. Authorities in multiple countries, including South Africa, Switzerland and Spain, are involved in tracing contacts and managing the outbreak.