Three people have died and at least three others have fallen ill following a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Sunday. One case of hantavirus infection has been confirmed, while five additional cases remain under investigation.
The outbreak occurred on a cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic. Among those taken ill is a 69-year-old British national who is reported to be in intensive care in South Africa, according to details from health authorities. The WHO stated that a patient being treated tested positive for hantavirus, a type of virus commonly spread by rodents.
Hantavirus is typically transmitted to humans through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. The illness can cause severe respiratory disease and has a high fatality rate in some forms. The WHO has not yet released the full itinerary of the ship or the nationalities of all those affected.
Health officials are working to trace contacts and assess the risk of further transmission. The cruise operator has not been named in initial reports. The WHO is coordinating with local health authorities in South Africa, where the affected passengers were disembarked and are receiving medical care.
No additional details about the timeline of the outbreak or the total number of passengers and crew on board have been disclosed. The investigation is ongoing.
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