Hantavirus outbreak kills 3 on cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, WHO says

This aerial picture shows a general view of a cruise ship off the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on Sunday. Three people have died in an outbreak of a dangerous respiratory virus on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the World Health Organization. AFP via hide caption toggle caption AFP via Three people have died in an outbreak of a dangerous respiratory virus on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the World Health Organization. At least six people are believed to have been infected with a hantavirus, including one whose infection has been confirmed by a laboratory, and five other suspected cases. Three people have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa, the WHO said . "Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing, and epidemiological investigations. Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew. Sequencing of the virus is also ongoing," the agency said. The agency is also "facilitating coordination between" WHO member states and the ship's operators to evacuate two passengers showing symptoms "as well as full public health risk assessment and support to the remaining passengers on board," the WHO said. The WHO did not name the cruise ship or release any additional details. Hantaviruses are a family of viruses that are usually spread by exposure to urine, saliva or feces from infected rodents, such as rats or mice. …