The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed two cases of deadly hantavirus and five suspected cases among passengers on the MV Hondius cruise ship, currently held in the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Verde. Three people have died, one is critically ill, and three have mild symptoms.

The fatalities include a Dutch couple and a German national. At least 147 passengers and crew remain on board, mostly British, American, and Spanish. A British passenger was evacuated from Ascension Island and is being treated in South Africa.

The WHO reiterated that the risk to the general public is low, as hantavirus rarely transmits between humans. The organization is tracing contacts on a flight from Saint Helena to Johannesburg taken by the deceased Dutch woman.

Ship operator Oceanwide Expeditions said the atmosphere on board remains calm, and efforts are underway to screen and disembark passengers. The vessel may sail to Las Palmas or Tenerife, Spain.

WHO's pandemic preparedness director Maria Van Kerkhove stated that Spanish authorities have agreed to welcome the ship for a full epidemiological investigation and disinfection.

Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through contact with rodent urine, feces, or saliva. Symptoms include fever, gastrointestinal issues, rapid progression to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and shock.

Source: www.aljazeera.com