The World Health Organization has confirmed seven cases of Andes hantavirus connected to the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak, while the total number of reported cases linked to the vessel has reached nine. Three people have died since the outbreak began, but health officials continue to say the risk of wider spread remains low.
The cruise ship remains at the centre of an international public health response, with passengers and crew members being monitored across several countries after leaving the vessel near Tenerife, Spain. A French passenger is now receiving treatment in a Paris hospital after her condition worsened, while health authorities in France are also tracing close contacts connected to the outbreak.
In the United States, officials said 18 American passengers have been evacuated and are isolating in Nebraska and Georgia. One American passenger tested positive without symptoms, while another showed mild symptoms and was taken to Atlanta for monitoring. U.S. health officials said returning passengers are being checked daily for symptoms and temperature changes.
Canadian health officials are also monitoring passengers who returned home after leaving the ship. Four Canadians landed in Victoria and have not shown symptoms, while three Ontarians are self isolating at home under the supervision of local public health units. Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones said the individuals have not developed symptoms so far.
Health officials have emphasized that this outbreak should not be compared to COVID 19. U.S. officials said the Andes strain does not spread easily and generally requires close contact with someone who is already symptomatic. The World Health Organization and national health agencies are continuing to track exposed passengers, monitor possible cases, and prevent further transmission.
