Global health authorities are working to contain a hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, as the number of confirmed cases continues to rise.

Officials said three people who had been aboard the vessel have died from the virus so far, while more than 100 passengers remain on the ship under health monitoring.

The World Health Organization said the overall public health risk is currently considered low, though investigators are examining the possibility of limited person-to-person transmission.

Health departments across several U.S. states are also monitoring passengers who have returned home after traveling on the ship for possible hantavirus infections.

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly disease commonly associated with exposure to infected rodents and can cause severe respiratory illness. Authorities are continuing contact tracing and surveillance efforts as the investigation develops.