Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s Acting Director for Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, announced in Geneva that the World Health Organization is coordinating an international response after a suspected hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius resulted in three deaths.

“WHO is working closely with authorities in Cabo Verde, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the ship’s operators to ensure the safety and health of all onboard and to limit further spread. Our highest priority is medically evacuating the critically ill,” Van Kerkhove said.

Seven confirmed or suspected cases have been identified on the ship, including three deaths. One person is critically ill, and three others have mild symptoms.

The MV Hondius has been held off Cabo Verde after authorities denied docking over public health concerns.

The ship was carrying about 150 people on a nature expedition that began in southern Argentina in March.

Hantavirus is typically transmitted through contact with infected rodents, with human-to-human transmission being rare but not ruled out in this case due to close contact among infected individuals.

Spain is reviewing information to consider whether the vessel can dock in the Canary Islands for further investigation.

Severe hantavirus cases can cause respiratory failure or hemorrhagic fever. Officials maintain that the risk to the wider public remains low.