Global health officials are racing to contain a deadly hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship.
Three people have died and new cases are emerging, with people in at least two states now being monitored.
The WHO is closely involved as the situation develops.
This is causing concern across the travel industry. A hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship is a nightmare scenario.
With new cases and people being monitored in multiple states, this is moving fast.
This could have a big impact on cruise bookings if it spreads.
When do we get the free stimmy checks and the forgivable PPP loans?
— Wall Street Mav (@WallStreetMav) May 7, 2026
Dozens of people are being traced after they boarded a flight with a cruise ship passenger who later died of a rat–borne virus.
The MV Hondius has been at the centre of an international health scare since Saturday following the outbreak of a rare hantavirus infection.
Although the disease is typically spread by rodents through urine, droppings and saliva the World Health Organisation (WHO) has now said it believes it may have passed from person to person aboard the luxury cruise.
The WHO has confirmed seven suspected cases of the virus on the vessel, which had been travelling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde in Africa.
A 70–year–old passenger was the first to die followed by his 69–year–old wife. They were both Dutch nationals.
Another passenger of German nationality also died on board the ship.
A 69–year–old British man was taken to Johannesburg, South Africa, where he is being treated in intensive care.
The WHO said today it is attempting to locate people on a flight between the island of St Helena and Johannesburg taken by the Dutch woman – who later died of the virus.