WHO responds to hantavirus cases on Atlantic cruise ship, 3 dead

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday it is working with countries and cruise ship operators to respond to cases of hantavirus infection identified on a vessel in the Atlantic Ocean.



Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's acting director for epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention, told reporters via video that, as of May 4, six suspected cases had been reported, including three deaths.



One patient is in intensive care in South Africa, while two others remain on board the ship and are expected to be evacuated for medical treatment, she said. About 150 people, including passengers and crew, are on the vessel.



The ship is currently stationed off the coast of Cabo Verde. WHO, together with authorities in Cabo Verde and the Netherlands and the ship's operators, is arranging the evacuation of the two patients to the Netherlands, Van Kerkhove said.