A luxury cruise ship is currently being held off the coast of West Africa after a suspected outbreak of hantavirus—a rare infectious disease typically carried by rodents—killed three passengers and infected three others.
The World Health Organization (WHO) shared the news of the suspected outbreak in a post to X.
According to the organization, one case of hantavirus on the ship, MV Hondius, had been confirmed through laboratory testing, and there are five additional suspected cases.
Of those six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa.
According to an official update from Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions, the operator of the ship, two crew members are still on board the ship with acute respiratory symptoms, both of whom require immediate care. As of Monday morning, medics were working to evacuate them.
Meanwhile, 149 passengers remain stuck on the ship as local medical teams and authorities work to determine how to proceed.
“Strict precautionary measures are in process on board, including isolation measures, hygiene protocols and medical monitoring,” Oceanwide’s statement reads. “All passengers have been informed and are being supported.”
