The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed the death of three people following an outbreak of hantavirus in a cruise ship.

One is in intensive care in South Africa, with five more suspected cases.

According to Sky News reports, the ship was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde.

WHO says that medical care is being provided to passengers and crew on the ship.

“WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases. Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa,” WHO stated

“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.”

Hantavirus infections are typically linked to environmental exposure (exposure to infected rodents’ urine or faeces). While rare, hantavirus may spread between people, and can lead to severe respiratory illness and requires careful patient monitoring, support and response.

“WHO is facilitating coordination between member states and the ship’s operators for medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, as well as full public health risk assessment and support to the remaining passengers on board. WHO is grateful for the rapid actions and coordination amongst all involved,” WHO added

People get hantaviruses from contact with rodents like rats and mice, especially when exposed to their urine, droppings, and saliva, according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

They can also spread through a bite or scratch by a rodent, but this is rare, it says.

Hantaviruses cause two syndromes – Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).