Swiss Man Tests Positive for Andes Hantavirus After Cruise Linked to 3 Deaths

A Swiss man who returned from a cruise tied to a deadly hantavirus outbreak has tested positive for the virus and remains in isolation, health officials said. They noted the strain can spread between people in rare instances, though the overall risk stays low.

Swiss authorities confirmed the man traveled on the MV Hondius, the Dutch-flagged ship at the center of the outbreak that has killed three passengers and sickened others.

The man sought medical care after symptoms appeared and was placed in isolation right away. His wife, who joined him on the trip, is self-isolating but shows no symptoms.

Officials identified the Andes strain of hantavirus in his case. The World Health Organization states this rare form can transmit between humans via close contact, unlike most hantavirus cases linked to rodent droppings.

South African health authorities detected the same strain in two other passengers from the ship.

The outbreak stranded the vessel off Cape Verde with nearly 150 passengers and crew aboard while authorities work to control it.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday that three suspected cases were evacuated to the Netherlands for treatment. "At this stage, the overall public health risk remains low," Tedros said.

Authorities emphasized that person-to-person spread of the Andes strain is uncommon and usually needs close, prolonged contact.

Health officials started monitoring passengers still on board and those who have left, with coordination across countries as the probe goes on.

The ship left Argentina on April 1 for a Southern Atlantic route with Antarctica stops until the outbreak changed plans. Spain agreed to take the vessel in the Canary Islands, but local officials voiced concerns over risks to residents.

Hantavirus infections are uncommon but serious, with symptoms from fever and fatigue to severe respiratory problems.