Three people who were aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean have died of suspected infections of hantavirus, a rodent-borne virus that can cause fatal respiratory illness, the World Health Organization said on May 3.
"To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases," the organization announced on X. "Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa."
In a statement provided to USA TODAY, Netherlands-based expedition cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions said it was addressing a "serious medical situation" on board m/v Hondius. The ship was en route from Argentina to Cape Verde, an island nation off Africa's west coast.
"During this voyage, three passengers have passed away," the operator said in the statement. "Two of these deaths occurred on board the vessel, and one occurred after disembarkation. In addition, one passenger is currently being treated in intensive care in Johannesburg, and two individuals on board require urgent medical care."
Reuters, citing a Dutch Foreign Ministry spokesperson, reported that two Dutch passengers died. No further details were provided.
