The World Health Organization says there is currently no evidence of a wider hantavirus outbreak linked to infections detected aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, although health officials warn the situation could still change because of the virus’s long incubation period.
Authorities have so far confirmed nine positive cases linked to the vessel after passengers were evacuated in Tenerife on Monday.
The rare disease, which is commonly spread through contact with infected rodents, has already claimed three lives.
In South Africa, a Dutch woman died after arriving at OR Tambo International Airport last month, while a British man remains hospitalised in Johannesburg.
The outbreak was first identified on the MV Hondius following an expedition that departed from Argentina to remote Atlantic islands.
Speaking in Madrid, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said more infections could emerge in the coming weeks as monitoring continues.
“Our work is not over. WHO will continue to work closely with experts in all affected countries,” Tedros said.
He added that countries have been requested to provide regular updates on the health status of passengers and crew through international health monitoring systems.
“WHO’s assessment continues to be that the global public health risk remains low,” he said.
Meanwhile, South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi confirmed that local health authorities are monitoring dozens of people who may have come into contact with infected passengers.
Motsoaledi said 97 contacts have been identified, with 90 already reached and placed under observation.
“Four of the contacts are in the Western Cape and 86 are in Gauteng,” he said.
He added that one contact in the Western Cape developed symptoms and was admitted to hospital, but later tested negative for hantavirus.
Health officials say monitoring and tracing efforts will continue over the coming weeks as authorities work to contain any possible spread of the virus.