The Ministry of Health has called for calm and awareness as it monitors hantavirus infections linked to a Dutch cruise ship in the Atlantic.

A ministry spokeswoman confirmed there were no suspected or confirmed cases of the virus on the island, nor had the ship, MV Hondius, which is docked near Cape Verde, visited Bermuda during its trip.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said: “While this situation is unfolding far from our shores, we are taking every precaution to ensure Bermuda remains protected.

“Our public health teams are actively monitoring developments and we will continue to keep our community informed with clear and timely updates.”

Hantavirus is a rare but serious disease spread from rodents to people through contact with rodent waste, saliva or contaminated dust.

Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, tiredness and a cough or troubled breathing.

Person-to-person spread is uncommon, but the illness can become serious in some cases.

Hantavirus entered came into the spotlight this week after two infections were confirmed aboard MV Hondius, with another five suspected.

Three people have died after boarding the ship during its month-long voyage across the Atlantic from Argentina, though only one of the deceased was confirmed to have had a hantavirus infection.

The ship is now anchored off the coast of West Africa with about 149 people from 23 countries on board.

Shaun Ramroop, Bermuda’s Chief Medical Officer, confirmed he was in contact with the UK Health Security Agency for timely updates.

Dr Ramroop said: “Right now, the risk to Bermuda is low, but our systems are ready to detect and respond quickly if anything changes.”

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health said all vessels arriving in Bermuda must still submit a Maritime Declaration of Health.

She added that Port Health will check any reports of unusual illnesses on board before the vessel is cleared to enter.

Healthcare providers have been told to watch out for any possible symptoms of hantavirus, the spokeswoman said.

Anyone travelling to affected areas was advised to avoid contact with rodents, wash hands often and seek medical care if symptoms arise.

Travellers should also tell their healthcare providers about any recent travel.