The World Health Organization has confirmed five cases of hantavirus linked to an outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, with three additional suspected cases and three deaths reported.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Thursday that the outbreak involves the Andes virus strain, which is typically found in Latin America and is the only hantavirus known to spread between humans.

According to the WHO, the vessel, currently sailing from Cape Verde toward Tenerife, experienced infections among passengers after departing from Ushuaia on April 1 for an Atlantic cruise route.

“So far, eight cases have been reported, including three deaths. Five of the eight cases have been confirmed as hantavirus, and the other three are suspected,” Tedros said.

He added that the incubation period of the virus can last up to six weeks, meaning additional cases may still emerge among exposed passengers.

The WHO said it expects the outbreak to remain limited if proper public health measures are maintained on board and across countries receiving passengers.

WHO emergency response director Abdi Rahman Mahamud said coordinated international action would be key to containing the situation.

The agency has also alerted 12 countries whose nationals disembarked during the voyage, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and others.

The cruise operator reportedly resumed movement after earlier disruptions, with officials noting improved morale among passengers still onboard.

Health experts say hantavirus is typically transmitted through contact with infected rodents, but the Andes strain is unusual because it can spread from person to person in rare cases.

Argentine authorities are expected to distribute diagnostic kits to support testing across multiple countries as monitoring continues.