Three Dead in Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak on Atlantic Cruise Ship

Six Passengers on Cruise Ship Fall Ill with Suspected Rodent-Transmitted Virus

A cruise ship in the Atlantic has reported an outbreak of a suspected rodent-transmitted virus, resulting in three deaths and one intensive care patient. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that one case had been identified and at least five other passengers were suspected to be infected.

According to WHO, six individuals on board the MV Hondius have fallen ill with symptoms consistent with hantavirus, a rare disease transmitted through contact with rodent droppings or urine. Three of those affected have died, while one remains in intensive care in South Africa.

The South African National Department of Health reported an outbreak of severe acute respiratory illness, which has claimed at least two lives and is currently treating a third patient in intensive care. The patient being treated tested positive for hantavirus.

The incident occurred on the MV Hondius, which was traveling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde. Authorities are conducting further investigations, including laboratory testing and epidemiological studies. Medical support and evacuation efforts are underway for affected passengers and crew members.

Source: Al Jazeera