The World Health Organization has issued a serious warning after a deadly hantavirus case triggered an urgent international tracing effort.

Health officials are now trying to locate 82 passengers and crew who were on the same flight as a woman who later died from the virus.

What’s happening?

The case is linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, which had been sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde with nearly 150 people onboard.

So far:

  • Three passengers have died
  • Several others have fallen ill
  • A British passenger remains in critical but stable condition

The woman at the center of the latest concern began showing symptoms after disembarking in St Helena and later boarded a flight to Johannesburg.

Her condition rapidly worsened — and she died shortly after landing.

Tests later confirmed hantavirus infection.

Why officials are concerned

Authorities say there were 82 passengers and six crew members on the flight she took.

Now, the WHO is working to trace everyone onboard.

While hantavirus is typically spread through contact with infected rodents, officials say human-to-human transmission is possible in rare cases, particularly with certain strains.

That’s why tracking down anyone potentially exposed is critical.

The 40% death rate warning

The WHO says some forms of hantavirus — particularly those affecting the lungs and heart — can have a fatality rate between 20% and 40%, and sometimes even higher.

In the Americas, the virus can cause hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), which severely impacts breathing.

In Europe and Asia, it more commonly causes haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), affecting the kidneys and blood vessels.

Symptoms to watch for

Early symptoms can take 1 to 8 weeks to appear and may include:

  • Fatigue and fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Headaches and dizziness
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

As the illness progresses, symptoms can become far more serious:

  • Severe breathing difficulties
  • Chest tightness
  • Internal bleeding
  • Kidney failure

What happens next?

Medical evacuations from the ship have already taken place, and health experts are continuing to monitor passengers closely.

Meanwhile, authorities remain on high alert as they try to prevent any further spread.

For now, the focus remains on one urgent task:

Finding everyone who may have been exposed — before more cases emerge.