The World Health Organization reported on Monday nine cases of Andes virus hantavirus linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship, with seven confirmed. The vessel arrived in Spain's Tenerife last weekend, where over 90 passengers were evacuated under health supervision.
The outbreak includes three deaths. The infected passengers had traveled through South America on a birdwatching trip and visited rodent habitats. The Andes virus is the only known hantavirus strain capable of limited human-to-human transmission, though it requires prolonged close contact.
Several countries have implemented monitoring. In the United States, 18 people are under observation at the University of Nebraska and Emory University. France confirmed one positive case and ordered 22 close contacts to isolate. Spanish and French passengers face 42-day or longer quarantine periods.
A Dutch hospital placed 12 staff in six-week quarantine after procedural errors. WHO officials and experts stress the broader public risk remains low and urge calm over panic. No specific treatment or vaccine exists.
