What you need to know about hantavirus, the infection at the center of a deadly cruise ship outbreak

"The first fatality, a Dutch man, occurred on April 11, although no cause of death could be determined at the time. His wife later fell ill and also died, while a German national died on the ship on May 2."

"Hantavirus is believed to have infected a further three people, including one who is in intensive care in South Africa. One case of the infection has been confirmed in a laboratory, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)."

"Oceanwide said in a statement that not all of the infections have been confirmed to be hantavirus, and that local health authorities had visited the ship but they have not yet approved the disembarkation of passengers or medical evacuation of two crew members who have fallen ill."

An outbreak of hantavirus on the MV Hondius cruise ship off West Africa has led to three fatalities and at least three additional infections. The first death occurred on April 11, followed by the death of the victim's wife. A German national also died on May 2. One confirmed case is in intensive care in South Africa. Local health authorities have not yet approved passenger disembarkation or medical evacuation for ill crew members. Oceanwide Expeditions is preparing for possible medical repatriation and is in contact with affected families.

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