Hantavirus cruise ship: race to trace passengers who disembarked before outbreak

About 12 countries have so far been linked to the hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius, as the UN health agency confirms at least five cases.

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Five cases have now been confirmed, including three deaths, following an outbreak on the Dutch vessel MV Hondius, the World Health Organization has said.

The UN health agency also said the outbreak is not the start of pandemic like Covid six years ago, because this hantavirus strain spreads through "close, intimate contact".

But given the incubation period of this disease - which can be up to six weeks - it is possible more cases may be reported, the WHO said.

The luxury cruise, Oceanwide Expeditions, said in a statement 114 guests and 61 crew members from 22 countries boarded the vessel, but 32 guests disembarked at St Helena on 24 April.