The operator of the MV Hondius says a Dutch husband and wife and a German national have died, as a second hantavirus infection is confirmed aboard the vessel off the Atlantic coast.

Three dead, second case confirmed

A second passenger aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius has tested positive for hantavirus after three people died in what investigators suspect is a linked outbreak on the vessel. The operator of the MV Hondius said a Dutch husband and wife, as well as a German national, have died, though the cause of death had not yet been formally established at the time of the announcement.

The World Health Organization said one case of hantavirus infection had been confirmed, with five more suspected cases under investigation.

What is hantavirus

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents that can cause severe disease in humans. The viruses are usually spread through exposure to urine, saliva, or faeces from infected animals such as rats or mice. Hantavirus infections are rare but can cause deadly respiratory illness. In rare cases, transmission between people is possible.

Ship off Cape Verde

The MV Hondius, carrying nearly 150 passengers and crew, was waiting off the coast of Cape Verde in the Atlantic Ocean as authorities worked to arrange assistance. Among the seven cases identified at that stage — two confirmed, five suspected — three people had died, one was critically ill, and three had mild symptoms, the WHO said.

The WHO said the public health risk remained low, and stressed the outbreak was not comparable to Covid-19 because hantavirus spreads differently.