Hantavirus scare: WHO reports three deaths, launches emergency response

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The World Health Organisation on Monday said it is leading an emergency response following a suspected outbreak of Hantavirus infection that has claimed three lives and left several others under medical observation.

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The three individuals died on board a cruise ship sailing between Argentina and Cape Verde.

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Health authorities confirmed that one case has been verified through laboratory testing, while five additional cases remain under investigation among individuals linked to the incident. One patient is currently receiving intensive care treatment in South Africa.

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The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Yakub Janabi, described the situation as serious but contained, urging calm.

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“This is a serious but contained event, and there is no need for panic or travel restrictions at this stage,” he said.

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Janabi added that the organisation’s response focused on limiting the spread of the virus and supporting affected countries.

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“Our focus is clear: to save lives, contain risks, and ensure that countries are fully supported with science-based action,” Janabi said.

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The global health body said it was coordinating medical evacuations and working closely with relevant national authorities and the vessel’s operators.

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Two symptomatic individuals are currently being evacuated for treatment, while other passengers and crew are under close health monitoring.

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Investigations into the outbreak are ongoing, including laboratory testing, epidemiological tracing and genetic sequencing to better understand the strain involved and its transmission pattern.

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WHO official Bhanu Bhatnagar explained that hantavirus infections are relatively uncommon and are usually linked to exposure to infected rodents.

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“They can be severe in some cases, and they are not easily transmitted between people. The risk to the wider public remains low at this time, and there’s no cause for concern or travel restrictions,” Bhatnagar said.

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Hantavirus infection is primarily spread through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, often in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.

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Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare, which experts say limits the risk of widespread outbreaks.

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Globally, between 10,000 and over 100,000 infections are recorded annually, mostly across parts of Asia and Europe. Symptoms typically appear one to six weeks after exposure and include fever, headache, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal complications such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Severe cases can progress rapidly, sometimes requiring intensive care.

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The WHO said it had notified countries under the International Health Regulations and is preparing a formal disease outbreak update, while continuing to support response efforts.

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Despite the fatalities, the agency maintains that the situation remains under control, with a low risk to the general public.

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