WHO confirms three suspected Hantavirus-related deaths on polar cruise: Symptoms, causes and prevention

New Delhi: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that at least three passengers aboard the MV Hondius, an international cruise sailing from South America towards the Canary Islands, have died with suspected infection of Hantavirus, a rare family of rodent-borne virus disease that rarely appears in maritime settings. The WHO said that one case has been confirmed through testing, and five additional suspected cases are under investigation at the laboratory.

South Africa’s National Department of Health stated that passengers are being treated at local medical facilities after experiencing “serious health complications caused by an undiagnosed severe acute respiratory infection,” spokesperson Foster Mohale confirmed. As of Sunday, one of the survivors continued to remain in intensive care.

(This is a developing story)