Global health authorities are working to contain a hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise vessel MV Hondius as the number of confirmed infections continues to grow.

Health officials said three people who were aboard the ship have died from the virus so far. More than 100 passengers remain on board, including 17 Americans, while international health agencies closely monitor the situation.

The World Health Organization said the overall public health risk remains low but noted concerns that limited person-to-person transmission may have occurred.

Authorities in several U.S. states are also tracking passengers who have already returned home after traveling on the ship, monitoring them for possible hantavirus symptoms.

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal disease typically spread through exposure to infected rodents or their droppings. Severe cases can lead to serious respiratory complications.

Health officials continue to conduct testing, contact tracing, and medical surveillance as efforts to contain the outbreak intensify.