Health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), report a growing number of confirmed and suspected hantavirus cases among passengers linked to a cruise ship that is stranded after reported illness. Multiple outlets say there are currently seven total cases under investigation, made up of confirmed and suspected patients. Reports vary slightly by timing, with some citing two confirmed and five suspected, and others citing five confirmed and three additional suspected, reflecting updates as screening continues.

The WHO characterizes the situation as a hantavirus outbreak associated with the cruise rather than a resurgence of COVID-19, with officials emphasizing it is not the same disease. Medical assessments described across reports include three deaths among the seven people reported as confirmed or suspected, one person who is critically ill, and others with mild symptoms. Separate coverage notes that passengers have started leaving the ship for port, with health teams continuing to track cases and manage contact tracing. Authorities also state that there is no immediate evidence of wider public danger, while additional cases may be identified as remaining passengers are screened.