WHO: Three Dead In Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak On Cruise Ship

AMSTERDAM, May 4 (Bernama-dpa) -- Three people have died and three others have been infected in a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard a small cruise ship in the Atlantic, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Sunday, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

The WHO said on the social media platform X that one patient was receiving intensive care in South Africa. Two of the deceased were Dutch nationals, according to the Dutch Foreign Ministry.

The other two infected were crew members, Dutch operator Oceanwide Expeditions said.

Hantavirus can cause fever and severe respiratory illness in humans. Infection typically occurs through exposure to the urine, droppings or saliva of infected rodents. Human-to-human transmission is rare, the WHO said.

One of the cases has so far been confirmed in a laboratory, while the remaining infections are still classified as suspected. All other passengers and crew are receiving medical support, the WHO added. A detailed epidemiological investigation is ongoing.

According to a BBC report, the vessel involved is the "Hondius", operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, with capacity for 170 passengers and around 70 crew members.

Tracking data and voyage information indicate the ship departed Ushuaia in southern Argentina and was most recently located off Cape Verde, near its destination port.

-- BERNAMA-dpa