What Is Hantavirus, and How Did It End Up Killing 3 People on a Cruise Ship?

According to AP News, a suspected rare hantavirus broke out on a cruise ship, killing three people.

In a statement with AP News, the World Health Organization said an investigation is underway, but that at least one case of hantavirus has been confirmed. One of the patients was receiving intensive care in a South African hospital, and they are working with authorities to evacuate two others with symptoms from the ship.

The hantaviruses are a family of viruses spread mainly by contact with the urine or feces of infected rodents like rats and mice. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the hantavirus can cause two syndromes: hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe disease that affects the lungs, and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, a severe disease that affects the kidneys.

The suspected outbreak killed three people, including an elderly married couple, and sickened at least three others, two of whom were crew members. While rare, the World Health Organization said that infections can spread between two people. There is no specific treatment or cure, but early medical attention can increase the chance of survival.

The organization said they are “aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. Detailed investigations are ongoing, 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.”

The ship had left Aegentina about three weeks ago and included visits to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and other stops. It was due to head to Spain’s Canary Islands on the other side of the Atlantic. About 150 passengers were on board at the time of the breakout, and they usually travel with about 70 crew members.

The World Health Organization is working with national authorities and the ship’s operators to conduct a “full public health risk assessment” while providing support for others on board.

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