Hantavirus outbreak reported on cruise ship in the Atlantic

The World Health Organization (WHO) is investigating a hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius, which has resulted in three deaths. The vessel, sailing from Argentina toward Cape Verde, arrived in the port of Praia on Sunday. Officials confirm one laboratory-verified case of the virus and five additional suspected cases among passengers and crew. Among the deceased are reportedly an elderly Dutch couple, while a 69-year-old British national is currently hospitalized in intensive care in South Africa. The WHO is providing medical support and conducting epidemiological investigations, including viral sequencing. Although hantavirus is primarily transmitted through rodent excreta, health authorities are monitoring the situation closely for potential human-to-human transmission risks. The MV Hondius, which flies the Dutch flag, had previously visited Antarctica and the Falkland Islands before the incident occurred.