3 dead in Atlantic cruise ship after Hantavirus outbreak, WHO says more cases on board

At least three people lost their lives on a cruise ship in the Atlantic due to an outbreak of hantavirus. The World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed the news on Sunday, after one laboratory confirmed a case of the illness that is usually transmitted to humans from rodents.

The outbreak of the deadly virus occurred on the MV Hondius, which was travelling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde. "To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases," WHO said.

According to AFP, the patients were being treated in Johannesburg and tested positive for a hantavirus, a family of viruses that can cause haemorrhagic fever and severe respiratory illness.

Cases under further investigation

While the infections are typically linked to environmental exposure to infected rodents' urine or faeces, the WHO noted: "While rare, hantavirus may spread between people and can lead to severe respiratory illness."

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As per the report, the first victim of the deadly virus on the cruise was a 70-year-old passenger, who died on board. His 69-year-old wife was eventually evacuated to South Africa, where she also died.

The third fatality of the disease continues to remain on board. Currently, the discussions are ongoing about whether the two other sick passengers should be placed in isolation in Cape Verde before the ship continues to Spain's Canary Islands.

It is pertinent to note that the MV Hondius is operated by Dutch-based Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel can accommodate around 170 passengers and 70 crew members.

With inputs from AFP.