Three patients, two diagnosed with hantavirus and one suspected case, are being evacuated from a cruise ship off Cape Verde to specialized hospitals in the Netherlands.
The ship, currently holding nearly 150 individuals, is awaiting clearance to proceed to Spain's Canary Islands.
Footage shows health workers in protective gear boarding the vessel for the evacuation. A British doctor aboard was reported in serious condition but has since improved.
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed three deaths associated with the outbreak, with one body still on the ship.
Investigation into Outbreak Origin
Health officials in Europe and Africa are tracing contacts of individuals who previously disembarked from the ship, which had sailed from South America on April 1.
Two Argentine officials believe a Dutch couple may have contracted the virus while bird-watching in Ushuaia, where they were potentially exposed to rodents.
The couple visited a landfill during the tour and may have been exposed to rodents.
Argentine Officials
As the investigation continues, health officials report that other passengers and crew on the ship show no symptoms and are isolating in their cabins.
Public Health Risk Remains Low
Despite concerns, the WHO has indicated that the public risk is low. The organization stated this outbreak is not comparable to COVID-19.
This is not the next COVID, but it is a serious infectious disease.
Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO Expert
Passengers tested positive for the Andes virus, a hantavirus variant. While transmission between humans is rare, it can occur through close contact.
Authorities have confirmed that a former passenger who tested positive is receiving treatment in Zurich, while two others were hospitalized in South Africa.
Efforts to Trace Contacts Continue
Health officials in South Africa are actively tracing individuals who may have come into contact with passengers who traveled there.
So far, 42 out of 62 individuals believed to have had contact are accounted for and have tested negative for the virus.
However, 20 individuals, including flight crew, remain untraced, raising concerns about further spread.