Health authorities around the world are investigating a growing hantavirus scare linked to passengers from the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, which recently departed from Argentina. Officials in 13 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America are now monitoring possible infections connected to the voyage.

So far, two British travelers have tested positive for the virus and are receiving treatment in hospitals in South Africa and the Netherlands. A third UK national is also being treated as a suspected case on Tristan da Cunha, one of the world’s most isolated island territories in the South Atlantic.

The situation has raised international concern after almost 30 passengers left the vessel in St Helena on April 24. Among them was a Dutch tourist who later died after becoming seriously ill while continuing her journey. The outbreak has now been linked to three deaths overall.

The World Health Organization officially confirmed the outbreak on May 2. According to WHO reports, some of the earliest known infections involved a Dutch couple who had traveled through Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay before boarding the ship.

As the MV Hondius continues towards Tenerife, governments, including those in Singapore, South Africa, and the Netherlands, are attempting to trace former passengers and identify anyone who may have been exposed. British health officials say no passengers currently on board are showing symptoms, but monitoring measures remain in place.

The UK Health Security Agency confirmed that British government staff will meet passengers upon the ship's arrival in Tenerife. Travelers who are symptom-free will be assisted with transport arrangements and provided with flights back to the UK.

Officials also stated that returning British passengers and crew members will be required to isolate for 45 days and remain under close health authority observation.

Despite the growing international response, the WHO has stressed that the overall threat to the public at large remains low. Hantavirus infections are most commonly caused by exposure to infected rodent urine or droppings and do not spread easily between people.

Dr. Abdirahman Mahamud, WHO’s director for alert and response, said global cooperation and strict public health measures should help contain the outbreak.

Countries Investigating Possible Cases

Argentina

South Africa

Cape Verde

Singapore

Philippines

United States

Spain

United Kingdom

France

Netherlands

Denmark

Germany

Switzerland