Suspected hantavirus infections leave three people dead and several ill on a cruise

Three passengers have died and three others became ill during a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius in the Atlantic Ocean.

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed one hantavirus case and said five others are suspected infections.

One patient remains in intensive care in South Africa, while efforts are underway to medically evacuate two additional symptomatic individuals.

Two of the deceased were identified as a Dutch married couple. The 70 year old husband was declared dead on arrival in St. Helena, while his 69 year old wife collapsed at Johannesburg’s airport and later died at a medical facility.

Authorities have not yet released details on the third death.

A British passenger who became ill while the ship was traveling between St. Helena and Ascension Island tested positive for hantavirus and is receiving treatment in South Africa.

The Netherlands based cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, confirmed that two crew members with symptoms remain onboard the vessel near Cape Verde.

Officials in Cape Verde assessed the ship but have not allowed the symptomatic individuals to disembark.

The MV Hondius departed Ushuaia, Argentina, about three weeks ago and traveled through Antarctica, the Falklands, South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha, St. Helena, Ascension Island and Cape Verde. Around 150 passengers were believed to be onboard.

Hantavirus is typically spread through contact with rodents or their urine, droppings and saliva. Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, nausea and breathing difficulties.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome affects the lungs and can be fatal in more than one third of cases.

The WHO noted that although rare, person to person transmission of hantavirus can occur and requires careful monitoring and medical response.