The World Health Organization (WHO) is responding to a hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship, which has resulted in three deaths and several confirmed infections. The ship, which sailed from Argentina towards the Canary Islands, was halted off the coast of Cape Verde. The outbreak is associated with the Andes strain of hantavirus, known for its limited human-to-human transmission through close contact. Health officials have identified eight cases, with three confirmed through laboratory testing. Approximately 40 passengers disembarked in St Helena after the first death was reported onboard, and authorities are currently tracing their whereabouts. The Dutch foreign ministry confirmed that among those who disembarked were individuals who later tested positive for the virus. The WHO is collaborating with health agencies in affected countries, including Argentina, to manage testing and treatment efforts. Monitoring is underway in at least three states in the US for potential exposure among individuals linked to the outbreak.