According to a report from the New York Post, the deadly hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship has spread to Europe after a passenger who disembarked tested positive upon returning home.

Swiss authorities confirmed Wednesday that the man, who traveled to South America with his wife last month aboard the vessel operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, tested positive for the virus after seeking care at a Zurich hospital.

The virus can remain dormant for up to eight weeks, heightening concerns as the outbreak continues to unfold.

His wife has shown no symptoms but is self-isolating as a precaution. Local health officials stated there is currently “no risk to the Swiss public,” though the development has fueled alarm over potential human-to-human transmission.

The incident marks a significant escalation. Three people have died from the outbreak, and at least five others have fallen ill, according to the World Health Organization.

The MV Hondius, carrying nearly 150 passengers and crew from multiple countries, remains stranded in West African waters after Cape Verde denied docking permission.

Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s director for epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention, said Tuesday, “we do believe there may be some human-to-human transmission among very close contacts.”

Meanwhile, three suspected patients were evacuated from the ship in Cape Verde and are en route to the Netherlands. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed the move Wednesday, adding, “At this stage, the overall public health risk remains low.”

The ship is now proceeding toward Spain’s Canary Islands after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez granted permission, overriding regional opposition.

Canary Islands leader Fernando Clavijo expressed strong resistance, telling local media, “Neither the populace nor the government of the Canary Islands can rest assured because it is clear that the danger to the population is real.”

Hantavirus is typically transmitted through rodent droppings, but the rare Andes strain suspected here can spread person-to-person and carries a high mortality rate. Investigations continue as authorities monitor contacts and manage the crisis at sea.