Three people have died aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius in the Atlantic Ocean following a suspected hantavirus outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed on Sunday.
The vessel, which was sailing from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde, recorded one laboratory-confirmed case of hantavirus, while five other passengers were suspected to have been infected.
Out of the six affected individuals, three have died and one remains in critical condition in a South African hospital.
Health officials say the first victim, a 70-year-old passenger, died while still on board the ship. His 69-year-old wife later fell ill and was evacuated to South Africa but also died in hospital.
A third patient, a 69-year-old British national, is currently receiving intensive care in Johannesburg.
South African health authorities earlier described the situation as a “severe acute respiratory illness” outbreak before laboratory testing confirmed hantavirus in at least one patient.
WHO said it is working with ship operators and affected countries to manage the situation, carry out risk assessments, and coordinate medical evacuations where necessary.
The agency also stressed the need for rapid response to contain any further spread.
Hantaviruses are typically transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents or exposure to their droppings and urine, or by inhaling contaminated dust.
While human-to-human transmission is rare, some strains can cause severe respiratory illness.
The MV Hondius, a polar expedition cruise ship operated by Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions, was carrying around 170 passengers and 70 crew members at the time of the incident. It was reported near Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, as investigations continue into the outbreak.
