Three people have died after a suspected hantavirus outbreak on board the MV Hondius cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.

The World Health Organisation confirmed that the outbreak happened while the vessel was sailing between Argentina and Cape Verde. One critically ill patient is now in intensive care in South Africa.

Health officials said one case of hantavirus has been confirmed. Five more suspected infections are still under investigation.

The people who died include a couple and another individual. Further details about their nationalities or medical histories have not been confirmed.

WHO Says Investigations are Ongoing

The WHO said detailed investigations are under way. These include laboratory testing and epidemiological probes to better understand how the outbreak developed.

Samples are being analysed and the virus is also being sequenced.

Authorities are now working across borders as passengers remain under close watch. The WHO said it is helping to coordinate between member states and the ship’s operators for the medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers.

The situation is still developing.

What is Hantavirus?

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases says hantavirus is usually linked to contact with infected rodents.

According to the NICD, people can become infected through contact with rodent urine, saliva or faeces, mainly when particles become airborne during activities such as sweeping.

The illness can start with flu-like symptoms, including fever and headaches.

The NICD said one form may cause stomach pain, back pain, nausea, blurred vision and bleeding complications. Another form may begin with body aches and a cough before rapidly causing serious breathing problems as fluid builds up in the lungs.

South Africa Monitoring Critical Case

The patient in South Africa remains the key local link to the outbreak.

No wider public health warning for South Africa has been confirmed in the available information. Health authorities are focused on testing, tracing and medical support.

The WHO said hantavirus transmission between people is uncommon, but the outbreak still needs close monitoring and a coordinated response.