The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed five cases of hantavirus linked to deaths aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.
Another three cases are suspected of being linked to the Andes strain of the hantavirus.
The WHO says more cases are possible, but the risk to public health remains low.
“While this is a serious incident, WHO assesses the public health risk as low,” Ghebreyeus told reporters.
Eight cases have been reported so far, including three dead, five confirmed and three suspected, he said.
“Given the incubation period of the hantavirus, which can be up to six weeks, it is possible that more cases may be reported.”.
They are from Britain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkiye and the United States. »