and anyone who has come into close contact with them since. Five cases have now been confirmed, including three deaths, following an outbreak on the Dutch vessel MV Hondius, the World Health Organization has said. The UN health agency also said the outbreak is not the start of pandemic like Covid six years ago, because this hantavirus strain spreads through "close, intimate contact". But given the incubation period of this disease - which can be up to six weeks - it is possible more cases may be reported, the WHO said. About 150 passengers and crew from 28 countries are reported to have initially been aboard the vessel, but dozens got off on the island of St Helena on 24 April. The luxury cruise, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, began its journey on 1 April in Ushuaia, Argentina, and is expected to arrive in Spain's Canary Islands on 10 May. (BBC)