According to WHO, Swiss health authorities identified the case after the passenger responded to a health alert sent by the ship’s operator and went to hospital in Zurich. The case was confirmed as officials continued investigations into infections linked to the Dutch-flagged cruise ship, which has been at the centre of an international health response. WHO said it is working with countries under the International Health Regulations to trace contacts and limit any further spread.
In a post on X, WHO said: “Swiss authorities have confirmed a case of #hantavirus identified in a passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship.”
The agency added: “In line with the International Health Regulations (IHR), WHO is working with relevant countries to support international contact tracing, to ensure that those potentially exposed are monitored and that any further disease spread is limited.”
WHO also said laboratory testing confirmed the virus involved in the outbreak is the Andes strain of hantavirus. The strain was identified by health laboratories in South Africa and Switzerland, with support from laboratories in Senegal and Argentina.
As of May 6, WHO said eight cases had been linked to the outbreak, with three confirmed by laboratory testing. Earlier cases on the ship included fatalities and medical evacuations, prompting a wider international response as authorities monitor passengers and crew.
WHO said it will continue working with affected countries to ensure patients, contacts, passengers and crew receive the support and information needed to stay safe.