Hantavirus: Three dead on Atlantic cruise ship after WHO confirms case

The World Health Organization WHO has reported a new form of virus outbreak known as "Hantavirus."

A new report suggests that three people have died after a case of hantavirus has been confirmed among passengers on a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic ‌Ocean on Sunday.

As informed, six individuals were affected in the incident, of whom three have died and one is in intensive care in South Africa, it said in a post on X.

The WHO did not name the vessel or its operator, although a source familiar with the situation said it was the MV Hondius, traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde.

"WHO is facilitating coordination between member states and the ship’s operators for medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, as well as full public health risk assessment and support to the remaining passengers on board," the WHO said.

A Dutch Foreign ‌Ministry spokesperson confirmed that two Dutch passengers had died but gave no further details.

Sky News, citing South Africa's Department of Health. reported that a British tourist was being treated in a hospital in South Africa after the suspected hantavirus outbreak.

The media outlet further reported that Britain's Foreign Office was closely monitoring reports of a potential hantavirus outbreak on the Hondius and was in touch with the cruise company and local authorities.

The British Foreign Office and South Africa's Department of Health did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.