Cruise ship outbreak under investigation after three deaths

The World Health Organization says it is investigating a suspected hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship m/v Hondius in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of West Africa. The agency said one infection has been confirmed and several more are suspected. According to the WHO, three people have died, and one patient is in intensive care in South Africa. Two symptomatic passengers are awaiting medical evacuation, while two crew members also need urgent care. Oceanwide Expeditions, which operates the Dutchflagged ship, said local officials in Cape Verde had not yet approved disembarkation for passengers needing treatment or wider medical screening. Health authorities are continuing testing and epidemiological work to determine the source and scope of the outbreak.