The World Health Organization said 11 hantavirus cases, including three deaths, have been reported among passengers and crew aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship as of May 12.
According to the WHO, nine of the 11 cases have been confirmed while two remain probable. Health officials warned that additional infections are expected.
“We expect more cases given the dynamics of spread on a ship and the virus’ incubation period,” the WHO statement noted. “At the moment, there is no sign that we are seeing the start of a larger outbreak.”
Passengers and crew are now being monitored in their home countries, with the WHO recommending a 42-day quarantine either at home or in a designated facility starting from the day they departed the vessel.