Health officials are investigating a deadly hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, where several passengers and crew became sick and some died. Experts now think the virus may have spread between people who were in very close contact, although this type of transmission is rare.
At least seven people on board the MV Hondius fell ill during the trip, and three have died. Symptoms included fever, stomach issues, and severe breathing problems. The ship is currently waiting near Cape Verde while some passengers are being evacuated for medical care.
Hantavirus usually spreads to humans through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, not from person to person. However, one strain found in South America — called the Andes variant — has been known to spread between people in rare cases. Tests are underway to see if this strain is involved.
Health experts say the risk to the general public is low and stress that hantavirus does not spread easily like the flu or COVID-19.
