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Three passengers on a cruise ship died of possible hantavirus infection
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Hantavirus is a rare disease caused by contact with the saliva or droppings of an infected rodent.
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The World Health Organization says the overall risk to the public is low
THURSDAY, May 7, 2026 (NewsDay News) – As investigations continue into an outbreak of hantavirus that killed three passengers and sickened five others on an ocean liner, the World Health Organization (WHO) says a wider spread is unlikely.
“At this time, the risk to the American public is very low,” the WHO said in a statement on Thursday. “We urge all Americans on board to follow the instructions of public health officials as we work to get you home safely.”
The MV Hondius left the West African coast on Wednesday en route to the Canary Islands, near Spain, officials said. According to the source, there were about 150 people on board, including 88 passengers and 61 crew members. Across the ocean Expeditionsship operator.
The company said the three passengers who died were a Dutch couple and a German national.
The Dutch man had symptoms including fever, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. According to him, he died on the ship on April 11 New York Times. The man’s wife became ill and collapsed nearly two weeks after being evacuated from the ship with his body at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. According to Oceanwide, it was later confirmed that she had a variant of the hantavirus.
According to Oceanwide, the German passenger died on board the ship on May 2, the cause of death being unknown.
According to him, the passengers of the ship were some Americans who have already returned home The Times.
State health departments in California, Georgia and Arizona said they were monitoring people who went on the cruise in their states. They are said to show no signs of infection.
HantavirusHantavirus, also known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, is a rare disease often caused by contact with the saliva or droppings of infected mice or rats, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
It often causes flu-like symptoms, but can quickly worsen and spread to other parts of the body, causing serious illness or death.
According to statistics, between 1993 and 2022, 890 cases were registered across the country. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Betsy Arakawaactor’s wifeGen Judgedied of the virus last year in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the couple lived.
More information
Additional information about hantavirus is available on the site US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
SOURCES: New York TimesMay 7, 2026; US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, news release, May 6, 2026
What does this mean for you?
If you come in contact with rodent droppings, wear a mask and gloves and clean up thoroughly with a damp paper towel. Monitor for signs of infection.
