By Sello Lentsoane | South Africa

The World Health Organization has confirmed that three people have died following a public health incident aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, with at least one case linked to hantavirus infection.

In a statement, the agency said one case has been laboratory confirmed, while five additional cases remain under investigation. Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently receiving intensive care treatment in South Africa.

The vessel, identified in earlier reports as the MV Hondius, was travelling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde when passengers began showing symptoms of severe acute respiratory illness.

Health authorities said investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing, epidemiological analysis, and virus sequencing to better understand the outbreak.

Medical support is being provided to passengers and crew, while the WHO is coordinating with member states and the ship’s operators to facilitate the evacuation of two symptomatic individuals and assess broader public health risks.

Hantavirus infections are typically associated with exposure to infected rodents, particularly through contaminated urine or faeces. While human-to-human transmission is rare, the virus can cause severe respiratory illness, requiring close monitoring and medical intervention.

South Africa’s National Department of Health had earlier confirmed deaths linked to the incident, as authorities continue to monitor the situation.

Officials say the focus remains on containment, treatment, and determining the source and extent of the outbreak.