Three people have died due to an outbreak of hantavirus on the cruise ship MV Hondius, on its way to Cape Verde. A 70-year-old man and his 69-year-old wife have died, and a British citizen is in serious condition.

Three people have died due to an outbreak of hantavirus on the cruise ship MV Hondius, which was heading to Cape Verde, according to the World Health Organization. A 70-year-old Dutch man died upon arrival on St. Helena Island, and his 69-year-old wife later passed away at the hospital in Johannesburg. Another passenger, a 69-year-old British citizen, is in critical condition in intensive care. Dutch authorities are planning the repatriation of the affected individuals and the deceased's body. Hantavirus is transmitted by rodents and can cause severe illnesses, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Although cases are rare, infections can be severe, with a mortality rate of approximately 38% in the case of HPS. There is no specific treatment, and prevention focuses on avoiding contact with rodents.