Three passengers have died following a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The vessel, identified as the MV Hondius, was sailing between Argentina and Cape Verde when several passengers fell ill.
Health officials reported at least seven cases linked to the outbreak, including two laboratory-confirmed infections and several suspected ones. One patient remains in critical condition, while others have shown milder symptoms.
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal disease typically transmitted through contact with rodent droppings or contaminated environments. Authorities are investigating how the virus may have spread on board, with passengers largely confined to their cabins as a precaution. The WHO has assessed the risk to the wider public as low and has not recommended travel restrictions, though monitoring and medical evacuations are ongoing.
