A suspected outbreak of the rare hantavirus has left three people dead and at least three others infected aboard a cruise ship sailing across the Atlantic, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed.
The incident occurred on the cruise vessel MV Hondius, which was travelling from Ushuaia in Argentina towards Cape Verde as part of a long international voyage.
According to the World Health Organization, six passengers have been affected so far, with one case laboratory confirmed and five others suspected. Three of the infected individuals have died, while one remains in intensive care in South Africa.
Health authorities said hantavirus is typically transmitted through contact with rodent urine, droppings or saliva, and can lead to severe respiratory illness with a high fatality rate in serious cases.
The virus usually spreads when contaminated dust becomes airborne, particularly in areas where rodents have nested, with early symptoms often resembling flu before rapidly progressing to breathing difficulties.
The cruise ship reportedly left Argentina about three weeks ago and had been scheduled to visit Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and other destinations before heading towards Spain’s Canary Islands.
Passengers on board were described as mostly tourists, with medical teams and authorities coordinating evacuations and ongoing treatment for those affected.
WHO said it is working with national authorities and the ship’s operators to manage the situation, including further laboratory testing, epidemiological investigations and medical evacuations.
The vessel is operated by Dutch-based company Oceanwide Expeditions and was located near Cape Verde as health agencies continued monitoring the situation closely.
