Three people have died following a suspected virus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius in the Atlantic, according to the World Health Organization.
Health officials have confirmed one case of Hantavirus, with five additional suspected cases currently under investigation. One British national remains in intensive care.
The outbreak occurred during a voyage from Argentina to Cape Verde.
Hantavirus infections are typically linked to environmental exposure, particularly contact with urine or faeces from infected rodents. In rare instances, the virus can spread between people and may cause severe respiratory illness.
A spokesperson for South Africa’s health ministry, Foster Mohale, earlier confirmed that at least two fatalities had been recorded.
The vessel is operated by Oceanwide Expeditions. According to its published itinerary, the ship departed from Ushuaia on 20 March and was due to arrive in Cape Verde on 4 May.
Authorities reported that the first victim was a 70-year-old passenger who developed symptoms onboard and later died. His body has since been transferred to Saint Helena in the South Atlantic.
His 69-year-old wife also became ill during the voyage and was medically evacuated to South Africa, where she died in a hospital in Johannesburg.
A 69-year-old British passenger was also evacuated to Johannesburg and is currently receiving intensive care treatment.
The MV Hondius is a 107.6-metre polar cruise ship with capacity for around 170 passengers across 80 cabins.
The World Health Organization said it is co-ordinating with relevant authorities and the ship’s operators to manage medical evacuations, conduct a full public health risk assessment, and support those still on board.
The incident has been classified as a “public health event” by the WHO.