Three people have died in an outbreak of a dangerous respiratory virus on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, the World Health Organization said.
At least six people are believed to have been infected with a hantavirus: one laboratory-confirmed case and five other suspected cases. Three people have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa, the WHO said.
“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 agency said.
The WHO is facilitating coordination between member states and the ship’s operators to evacuate two passengers showing symptoms and to provide a full public health risk assessment and support to remaining passengers on board. The agency did not name the cruise ship or release additional details.
Hantaviruses are a family of viruses usually spread by exposure to urine, saliva or feces from infected rodents such as rats or mice. Infections are rare but can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe respiratory illness.
Symptoms often begin with fatigue, fever and muscle aches and may include headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. The disease can progress to coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness as the lungs fill with fluid. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of patients who develop respiratory symptoms may die from the syndrome.
The disease drew recent attention after the death of Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman.