Atlantic: three deaths from suspected hantavirus on cruise ship

Atlantic: three deaths from suspected hantavirus on cruise ship

A suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius has left three people dead and several others seriously ill, including two British nationals. A UK passenger remains in critical but stable condition in intensive care in South Africa, while a British crew member requires urgent medical treatment. The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde when the outbreak began. Hantavirus, typically spread through contact with infected rodent waste, can cause severe respiratory illness. The World Health Organisation has said the wider public risk remains low. Authorities are coordinating international support, while affected passengers are being treated or evacuated as the situation continues to unfold. Latest news: those affected might have to self-isolate for eight weeks, says an expert. See