Global health authorities trace cruise ship passengers after Andes virus outbreak confirmed with five cases and three deaths

A hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius has led to a worldwide contact-tracing operation involving at least 12 countries. Five cases have been confirmed, including three deaths, with the outbreak caused by the Andes strain of hantavirus. The ship departed Ushuaia, Argentina on 1 April with approximately 175 people from 22 countries aboard. Thirty-two guests disembarked at St Helena on 24 April, before the first case was detected on 4 May. The outbreak marks the first known hantavirus transmission on a vessel. Confirmed deaths include two Dutch nationals (a husband and wife, with the wife dying in South Africa) and a German passenger. A Swiss man who disembarked at St Helena tested positive. Given the six-week incubation period, additional cases may emerge. The ship is expected to dock in Spain's Canary Islands by 10 May, where remaining passengers and crew will undergo medical assessment before repatriation or quarantine.