ABUJA, Nigeria – The World Health Organization reassures the public that there is no cause for panic following suspected hantavirus cases aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.
The incident involves the MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, where several passengers reportedly fell ill during a voyage from Argentina.
WHO Europe Director Hans Kluge on Monday says the overall risk remains low. “There is no need for panic or travel restrictions,” he states.
Health officials explain that hantavirus infections are rare and typically linked to rodent exposure, with limited human-to-human transmission.
Authorities are coordinating medical response, evacuation procedures and ongoing investigations to determine the source of the outbreak.
