Three people have died aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic amid a suspected hantavirus outbreak, with at least one confirmed case of the rare rodent-borne disease.
Health authorities are investigating the possible outbreak on the MV Hondius, which is travelling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde.
In a statement on Sunday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said one infection had been confirmed, while at least five other passengers are suspected of being infected.
“Of the six affected individuals, three have died, and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa,” the WHO said.
It added that detailed investigations are ongoing, including laboratory testing and epidemiological analysis, while medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew.
Genetic sequencing of the virus is also underway.
The WHO also said it is coordinating with countries to arrange evacuation for two additional passengers showing symptoms of infection.
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly disease transmitted to humans through exposure to rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, and can cause severe respiratory illness and hemorrhagic fever in serious cases.
South Africa’s National Department of Health earlier reported an outbreak of a “severe acute respiratory illness” that had already killed at least two people, with a third patient in intensive care in Johannesburg, according to AFP.
A ministry spokesperson, Foster Mohale, confirmed that the patient treated in Johannesburg tested positive for hantavirus.
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