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Rabat – The number of Hantavirus infections linked to a cruise ship outbreak has reached 13, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), as health officials continue to track a situation that has unsettled passengers and raised broader public health concerns.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed that Spanish authorities identified an additional case among passengers who remain under quarantine.Â
The update brings the total number of confirmed infections to 13. Three people have died, though no new fatalities have occurred since early May.
Officials describe the situation as stable for now. Patients who fell ill receive medical care, while others who shared the confined space of the ship remain isolated as a precaution.Â
The response reflects the challenges of managing infectious diseases in enclosed environments, where proximity often accelerates transmission risks.
The outbreak traces back to the MV Hondius, an expedition vessel that carried passengers through remote areas.Â
Over the past two weeks, authorities oversaw the disembarkation of all passengers, crew members, and onboard medical teams. Each group now follows health protocols set by local authorities.
Hantavirus infections remain relatively rare but serious. The virus spreads mainly through contact with rodents or contaminated materials such as droppings.Â
Symptoms can vary widely, from mild illness to severe respiratory complications, depending on the strain involved. According to WHO estimates, global cases range between 10,000 and 100,000 each year.
Public health experts often view cruise ships as high-risk settings during outbreaks due to close quarters and shared facilities. This incident adds to a growing list of cases that test emergency response systems in maritime travel.
For now, authorities report no signs of further spread beyond those already identified. Monitoring continues, as health officials seek to contain the outbreak and reassure the public.
