Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Leaves 3 Dead, Several Ill

A suspected outbreak of Hantavirus infection aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has left three people dead and at least three others ill, according to the World Health Organization and South Africa’s health authorities.

Health officials confirmed that at least one case of the virus has been diagnosed, while investigations are ongoing. One patient is currently in intensive care in Johannesburg, and efforts are underway to medically evacuate two additional symptomatic individuals still onboard.

The vessel, the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is currently anchored off the coast of Cape Verde. Authorities there have not permitted passengers