A suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship has left three passengers dead, the World Health Organization has reported. The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde.

According to the BBC, a Dutch woman died after disembarking in Saint Helena, and her husband died earlier on board; a German passenger also died from pneumonia, though hantavirus has not been confirmed in her case. Two cases of the virus have been lab-confirmed, including the Dutch woman and a British man who remains in critical but stable condition in South Africa.

Two crew members are also showing respiratory symptoms. The ship is now off Cape Verde with 149 people from 23 countries aboard. Hantavirus, spread through rodent droppings, has no specific treatment and can cause severe respiratory or kidney disease.

Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Backyard Poultry Sickens 34 Across 13 States, Health Officials Warn

Public health officials in multiple states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to contact with backyard poultry, with 34 cases reported across 13 states, federal health authorities said.

The outbreak has resulted in 13 hospitalizations and no reported deaths, according to officials. The investigation remains open.

The CDC officials warned that backyard poultry, including chickens and ducks, can carry Salmonella germs even when they appear healthy and clean. The bacteria can spread easily in areas where birds live and roam, contaminating surrounding environments.

Authorities explained further, people can become infected by touching poultry or contaminated surfaces and then touching their mouth or food. Furthermore, officials are urging the public to take precautions, including washing hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after handling poultry, eggs, or anything in their environment. When soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer should be used.

Health officials also advised against kissing or snuggling backyard poultry and discouraged eating or drinking in areas where birds are kept.

Families are being urged to keep poultry and related equipment, such as feed containers and shoes worn in coops, outside of the home. Children should be supervised around flocks, and officials said children under five should not handle chicks, ducklings, or other poultry due to increased risk of illness.

Egg safety guidance was also issued. Officials recommend collecting eggs frequently, discarding cracked eggs, and carefully cleaning dirty eggs using dry methods such as sandpaper, a brush, or a cloth. Washing eggs is discouraged because it can allow bacteria to enter through the shell. Eggs should be refrigerated to slow bacterial growth.

Health officials said symptoms of Salmonella infection typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, beginning 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. Most people recover within 4 to 7 days without treatment, but severe cases can require hospitalization.

CDC authorities warned that individuals should seek medical attention if they experience a fever higher than 102°F with diarrhea, prolonged diarrhea lasting more than two days, bloody diarrhea, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration such as reduced urination, dry mouth, or dizziness.

First Imported Human Case of H9N2 Bird Flu Confirmed in Europe Triggers International Health Response

Health authorities have confirmed the first imported human case of avian influenza A(H9N2) in the European Region after a man returning from Senegal tested positive in Italy, the World Health Organization reported.

The case was notified on March 21, 2026, by Italy’s National International Health Regulations (IHR) Focal Point after laboratory testing identified a human infection with influenza A(H9). Subsequent genetic sequencing confirmed the virus as influenza A(H9N2).

The patient, an adult male who had spent more than six months in Senegal, traveled to Italy in mid-March and sought emergency care after developing a fever and persistent cough. On March 16, clinicians collected a bronchoalveolar lavage sample that tested positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and an un-subtypeable influenza A virus.

He was placed in a negative-pressure isolation room under airborne precautions and treated with antitubercular medication and the antiviral oseltamivir. Health officials reported that by April 9 his condition was stable and improving.

Laboratory analysis by regional and national reference centers identified the virus as influenza A(H9N2), with genetic similarity to strains previously detected in poultry in Senegal. Initial investigations suggest the infection was likely acquired from an avian source in Senegal, although no direct exposure to animals, wildlife, or rural environments has been identified.

Authorities also reported no known contact with symptomatic individuals or confirmed human cases. Contact tracing identified individuals in both Senegal and Italy, all of whom tested negative for influenza. Contacts in Italy completed monitoring and quarantine protocols and received oseltamivir as a precaution.

The World Health Organization said this is the first imported human case of avian influenza A(H9N2) reported in the European Region. Under international health regulations, human infections caused by a novel influenza virus subtype are required to be reported due to their potential public health impact.

Avian influenza viruses normally circulate in animals but can occasionally infect humans, most often through direct or indirect contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. Human illness can range from mild respiratory symptoms to severe disease, and in some cases can be fatal. Other reported symptoms include conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal illness, encephalitis, and encephalopathy.

The reported human cases of A(H9N2) have been associated with exposure to infected poultry, with the majority resulting in mild illness. The virus has been detected in poultry and environmental samples in Senegal, where a human case was also reported in 2020. Most human cases globally have been reported in China.

Italian authorities implemented monitoring and containment measures following detection of the virus, and international health agencies, including WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, were notified through established reporting channels.

The case does not change existing public health guidance, which advises avoiding contact with live animal markets, farms, and potentially contaminated environments. It also recommends hand hygiene and respiratory protection for individuals handling poultry, while stating that no additional travel or trade restrictions are necessary based on current information.