Three people are dead and another is in intensive care after a suspected outbreak of Hantavirus on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.
In a social media post, a World Health Organisation spokesperson said there were six suspected cases, but so far only one had been laboratory confirmed.
“Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing and epidemiological investigations. Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew,” they said.
“Sequencing of the virus is also ongoing.
“WHO is facilitating coordination between Member States and the Ship’s operators for medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, as well as full public health risk assessment and support to the remaining passengers on board.”
WHO said that Hantavirus infections are typically linked to exposure to the urine or faeces of infected rodents.
“While rare, hantavirus may spread between people, and can lead to severe respiratory illness and requires careful patient monitoring, support and response,” they said.
The outbreak occurred on MV Hondius, a polar cruise ship run by Oceanwide Expeditions, which was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde.
The ship has a capacity for 170 passengers and about 70 crew members.
The first person to show symptoms was a 70-year-old man who died on board the ship, according to the BBC.
His 69-year-old wife was evacuated to South Africa after showing symptoms. She died in a Johannesburg hospital.
The couple’s nationality has not yet been confirmed, but it is understood they are Dutch.
The third person who died was still on board the cruise ship on Sunday night.
A 69-year-old British national is at a hospital in Johannesburg being treated in the intensive care unit.
