A suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic has killed three people and sickened several others, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), per Fox News.
One case has been confirmed in a lab, with five more suspected. Of the six infected, three have died and one is in intensive care in South Africa. The WHO is coordinating with authorities and the ship operator to evacuate two more sick passengers.
The outbreak is linked to the Dutch cruise ship m/v Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions. The company confirmed three deaths during the voyage and said two crew members also need urgent care.
Cape Verde authorities have so far blocked sick passengers from leaving the ship while investigations continue, though health teams have boarded the vessel.
The WHO says hantavirus is typically spread through contact with infected rodents and can cause severe respiratory illness, with no specific cure but better survival with early treatment.