Fresh concerns spread across several countries after a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship triggered international health monitoring.
However, the World Health Organization has moved quickly to calm fears, insisting the situation is not another COVID-19-style global emergency.
The warning came after multiple infections and deaths were linked to the Dutch-flagged cruise ship, MV Hondius, during a voyage from Argentina to Cabo Verde.
The outbreak has already drawn attention from health authorities across Europe, Africa, and Latin America due to the international movement of passengers onboard.
Speaking in Geneva, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed that eight cases had been identified so far.
According to him, five of the infections were laboratory-confirmed, while three others remained suspected cases connected to the Andes strain of hantavirus.
Despite the growing concern, the WHO stressed that the outbreak remains contained.
“Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship is not another COVID-19 situation,” the organization stated while addressing rising fears online.
Meanwhile, reports linked to the MV Hondius revealed that three passengers reportedly died after developing severe respiratory symptoms during the voyage.
Several other passengers also reportedly became ill before health agencies stepped in to begin investigations and contact tracing efforts.
Furthermore, the first international alert was reportedly issued by the United Kingdom under the International Health Regulations framework.
The WHO also explained that the Andes strain is currently the only known hantavirus variant capable of limited human-to-human transmission.
Officials said investigations are ongoing to determine the exact source of the infections onboard the ship.
Meanwhile, medical teams across different countries are monitoring passengers and crew members who may have had contact with infected individuals.
In addition, officials noted that rapid international cooperation helped reduce the risk of wider exposure.
The WHO further assured the public that current evidence shows the outbreak remains under control.
