A rare virus carried by rodents has infected 13 people and killed three during an outbreak linked to an Antarctic cruise ship, which has triggered a global public health response led by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The outbreak involves Andes virus, a type of hantavirus that is mainly found in South America. According to the WHO, all 13 cases were passengers or crew members aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius. Eleven cases have been laboratory confirmed, while two are considered probable cases.
The outbreak was first reported in early May after several passengers developed severe respiratory illness. Cases have since been identified among passengers and crew linked to the cruise ship, with confirmed infections reported in Canada, the Netherlands, and Spain. The investigation has also involved the United Kingdom, the United States, Cabo Verde, Argentina, and Chile, while health authorities are monitoring more than 600 contacts across 32 countries, territories, and areas.
Passengers and crew left the ship at Saint Helena and Ascension Island, both British Overseas Territories, as well as Praia in Cabo Verde and Tenerife in Spain. Health authorities in several countries have been working together to trace contacts and monitor people who may have been exposed during the voyage or later travel.
