The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday issued an update regarding a hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship Hondius, stating that seven cases have been reported so far. Based on current information and existing knowledge of the virus, the overall risk to the public is considered low.

According to the latest WHO update released on Monday, the organization received a report on May 2 of passengers aboard the Hondius experiencing severe acute respiratory illness, including fatalities. As of May 4, a total of seven cases have been reported, including two laboratory-confirmed hantavirus infections and five suspected cases. Among them, three people have died, one remains in critical condition, and the other three have mild symptoms. The onset of illness for all patients occurred between April 6 and April 28. Symptoms include fever and gastrointestinal discomfort, and in some cases rapidly progressed to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and shock. 

Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's acting director for epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention, said on May 4 that the Hondius is currently anchored near Cape Verde. She noted that passengers have been asked to remain in their cabins during disinfection and other containment measures to reduce the risk of infection. Medical personnel from Cape Verde have been providing support to passengers and crew, while WHO is working with the governments of Cape Verde and the Netherlands, as well as the cruise operator, to transfer patients to the Netherlands for treatment.

The Hondius is operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, a Netherlands-based company specializing in polar expedition cruises.

Van Kerkhove stated that WHO is working with relevant countries to ensure the safety and health of passengers and crew and to contain the spread of the virus. Measures include conducting epidemiological investigations to identify the source of infection, detecting new cases, and carrying out laboratory testing.

She emphasized that, based on current information and what we know about this virus from past outbreaks, the overall risk to the public is low.

According to Van Kerkhove, hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents that can cause severe disease in humans. Hantavirus infections occur in many parts of the world, typically through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is rare, although limited transmission among close contacts has been observed in previous outbreaks.