A suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has killed three people and infected at least three others, according to the World Health Organization.
In a statement to The Associated Press, the WHO confirmed that at least one case of hantavirus has been laboratory-confirmed while the investigation is ongoing.
The WHO said one infected passenger is currently in intensive care at a hospital in South Africa. Two other symptomatic passengers are being evacuated from the vessel for medical treatment.
“Detailed investigations are underway, including further laboratory testing and epidemiological investigations,” the WHO said.
She added that both passengers and crew are receiving medical care and support, while virus sequencing is also underway.
Ship identified as MV Hondius
Although the WHO did not name the vessel, South African media reports identified it as the MV Hondius, a Dutch-flagged cruise ship reportedly traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde.
Maritime surveillance data indicated the ship docked in Praia, Cape Verde’s capital, on Sunday evening.
South African authorities reportedly confirmed that the first victim, an elderly man, died on board the ship, while his wife later died after being taken to hospital.
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus is typically spread by contact with rodents or their urine and feces, according to the WHO.
Although the virus is rare, in limited cases it can also be transmitted between people and can lead to serious respiratory illness.
There is currently no specific cure or treatment, but early medical intervention can greatly improve the chances of survival.
Global concerns and past cases
The outbreak has renewed attention on hantavirus after previous high-profile cases, including the death of Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, who died in New Mexico last year.
Hackman himself died a week later at their home, although his death was unrelated to the virus.
(With AP inputs)
