Three people have died after the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed a case of Hantavirus infection and said it was investigating five additional suspected infections aboard the cruise vessel, MV Hondius, sailing in the Atlantic Ocean.

The organisation said six individuals had so far been affected by the outbreak, adding that one of the patients was currently receiving intensive care treatment in South Africa.

The WHO on X disclosed that detailed epidemiological investigations, further laboratory testing and virus sequencing were ongoing to establish the source and scope of the health event, adding that medical care and support were being provided to passengers and crew on board the vessel.

According to the organisation, Hantavirus infections are commonly linked to environmental exposure, particularly contact with the urine or faeces of infected rodents, such as rats and mice.

It noted that although human-to-human transmission is rare, the disease can cause severe respiratory illness and therefore requires careful patient monitoring, clinical support and coordinated public health action.

WHO said it was facilitating coordination between member-states and the ship’s operators for the medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers.

It added that a full public health risk assessment was also being conducted for the remaining passengers on board, while national focal points had been informed under the International Health Regulations.

The organisation said a Disease Outbreak News update for the public would be issued.

However, the operator of the MV Hondius ship said a Dutch husband and wife, as well as a German national, had died, but the cause has not yet been established.

Meanwhile, authorities in South Africa said the outbreak occurred aboard the MV Hondius, which was carrying about 150 tourists.

The vessel reportedly departed from Argentina about three weeks ago for a voyage that included stops in Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and other destinations before heading toward the Canary Islands across the Atlantic.

South African health authorities said contact tracing was ongoing in the Johannesburg region to determine whether other persons had been exposed to infected passengers who had travelled through the country.