A suspected outbreak of Hantavirus infection aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has reportedly claimed three lives and left at least three others ill, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and South African health authorities.
In a statement to The Associated Press, WHO confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with at least one case of hantavirus already verified. The agency disclosed that one patient is currently in intensive care at a hospital in South Africa, while efforts are underway to evacuate two other symptomatic individuals from the vessel.
The cruise ship, operated by a Dutch company, is currently anchored off the coast of Cape Verde, where local authorities are assisting with response efforts but have restricted disembarkation.
Among the fatalities are a Dutch couple aged 70 and 69. According to South Africa’s health ministry, the husband fell ill onboard and died on the island of Saint Helena, while his wife later died in a hospital in Kempton Park.
A 69-year-old British man who also became ill on the ship is receiving treatment at a private medical facility in Johannesburg after testing positive for the virus.
Hantavirus is typically transmitted through contact with urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus can lead to severe conditions such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which affects the lungs, and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, which impacts the kidneys.
While human-to-human transmission is rare, WHO noted that it remains possible in certain cases. There is currently no specific cure or targeted treatment for hantavirus infections, though early medical intervention can significantly improve survival chances.
“WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean,” the agency said, adding that laboratory testing, epidemiological investigations, and virus sequencing are ongoing as part of efforts to contain the situation.