WHO confirms one hantavirus death on Atlantic cruise ship

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed on Sunday evening that three people had died on a cruise ship in the Atlantic, with at least one of them confirmed as the victim of hantavirus.



The WHO said it is supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean.



To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases.



Three of the six affected individuals have died, and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa.



The agency said detailed investigations are going on, including further laboratory testing and epidemiological investigations.



Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew. Sequencing of the virus is also ongoing, it added.



Hantavirus infections are typically linked to environmental exposure to infected rodents' urine or faeces.



While rare, hantavirus may spread between people, and can lead to severe respiratory illness, requiring careful patient monitoring, support and response.