Nine passengers on an adventurous Dutch-flagged voyage have contracted a form of hantavirus, with three fatalities. The remaining travellers are being monitored as health experts reassure us that this isn't another pandemic in the making.

The virus, known for causing hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome, has a fatality rate of up to 50%. It spread through rodents but can also infect humans via exposure to their droppings or saliva. The symptoms vary widely and can be severe.

Health authorities are working tirelessly to contain the outbreak by disinfesting cabins and closely monitoring all passengers. So far, no further cases have been reported on board despite a long incubation period of up to six weeks. This could indicate that the ship’s situation is under control, but vigilance remains paramount.

Experts believe that while hantavirus can spread between people through prolonged intimate contact, this cruise case presents a contained scenario unlikely to lead to wider transmission. The WHO is coordinating closely with the ship's captain and local authorities, ensuring that passengers are kept safe until they reach the Canary Islands.