Hantavirus spreading on cruise ship from ‘human-to-human’ as sick passengers evacuated

• Global health authorities suspect a hantavirus outbreak is spreading on a cruise ship, leading to the evacuation of two infected passengers.
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) stated there might be human-to-human transmission among close contacts on board, though the global health risk is considered low.
• A British crew member requires urgent medical care, and another Briton is in intensive care following the suspected outbreak on the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius.
• The MV Hondius began its voyage from Argentina to Cape Verde on 1 April, during which at least three people have died.
• Seven hantavirus cases (two confirmed, five suspected) have been identified on the ship, including a British passenger receiving care in South Africa and a Dutch woman who died after disembarking.

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Cruise ship outbreak latest: WHO suspects ‘human-to-human’ transmission of hantavirus on vessel as evacuations ordered