The World Health Organisation attempted to calm fear around the planet on Thursday, saying the 'rat virus' first identified aboard a Dutch cruise ship was not the start of a 'new Covid'.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has assured the public that no hantavirus-related case has been detected in Namibia.

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.

Cape Verdean authorities have blocked a cruise ship from docking in the capital, Praia, after a suspected hantavirus outbreak left three passengers dead.

The MV Hondius, carrying around 150 people, remains offshore as health officials work to assess and contain the situation.