Three dead in suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, WHO says

World May 3, 2026 4:46 PM EDT CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — A suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has killed three people and sickened at least three others, the World Health Organization said Sunday. In a statement to The Associated Press, the WHO said an investigation was underway but that at least one case of hantavirus had been confirmed. Hantavirus, found throughout the world, is spread by contact with urine or feces of infected rodents, most often rats or mice. One of the patients was in intensive care in a South African hospital, the U.N.'s health agency said, adding that it was working with authorities to evacuate two other passengers with symptoms from the ship. "Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing, and epidemiological investigations," WHO said. "Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew. Sequencing of the virus is also ongoing." READ MORE: What is hantavirus, the infection that killed Betsy Arakawa in New Mexico? Hantavirus infections are typically linked to exposure to the feces or urine of infected rodents, WHO said. While rare, WHO said they can be spread between people and they can lead to severe