The World Health Organization confirmed on Friday that six of eight reported cases of hantavirus are laboratory-confirmed, following an outbreak linked to a cruise ship.

Three people have died, giving a case fatality ratio of 38%. All confirmed infections have been identified as Andes virus (ANDV).

What is the hantavirus cruise ship outbreak?

Six passengers or crew have been confirmed with hantavirus after an outbreak on a cruise ship, with two further probable cases also under investigation. Three people have died so far. WHO has assessed the global risk as low but rates the risk to those on board as moderate.

What has WHO said about the risk?

WHO said it “assesses the risk to the global population posed by this event as low” and will continue to monitor the situation and update its risk assessment. For those directly connected to the vessel, the risk level is higher.

“The risk for passengers and crew on the ship is considered moderate,” the organization said in a statement issued Friday.

WHO confirmed all six laboratory-confirmed cases have been identified as Andes virus, a strain of hantavirus.

The organization said it would continue tracking the epidemiological situation as new information becomes available.