Update: WHO Confirms 11 Hantavirus Cases, Three Deaths on Cruise Ship
Otamere Gladness 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The World Health Organization confirms 11 hantavirus cases, including three deaths, linked to passengers and crew aboard expedition cruise ship MV Hondius.
WHO on Tuesday says nine infections are laboratory-confirmed while two remain probable cases, adding that all infections occur aboard the vessel.
In an update issued Tuesday, the organisation warns that additional infections may emerge due to the ship’s confined environment and the virus’s incubation period.
“We expect more cases given the dynamics of spread on a ship and the virus’ incubation period,” WHO says.
However, the agency stresses there is currently no evidence of a wider public health emergency.
“At the moment, there is no sign that we are seeing the start of a larger outbreak,” the statement adds.
Health authorities in several countries are now tracing and monitoring passengers and crew members who travelled aboard the ship.
WHO says close surveillance is underway to identify symptoms early and prevent possible transmission.
The organisation recommends a 42-day quarantine for passengers and crew either at home or in designated facilities, beginning from the date they disembarked from the vessel.
According to WHO, the precautionary measure reflects the incubation period associated with the Andes strain of hantavirus, which can spread through close contact.
International health officials continue coordinating contact tracing and follow-up measures as concerns grow over the spread of infectious diseases in enclosed travel settings.
WHO says containment efforts remain focused on preventing secondary transmission while reassuring the public that the outbreak remains limited at this stage.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Korede Abdullah 