Hantavirus and the Cruise Ship Incident: Clear, Simple Lessons

Three people died on the cruise ship MV Hondius in the Atlantic Ocean. The ship left Ushuaia, Argentina, and was sailing toward Cape Verde. One case of hantavirus has been confirmed and five other cases are suspected. One person was in intensive care in South Africa. The World Health Organization is helping with the investigation and with medical evacuation. The cruise company is Oceanwide Expeditions.

Hantavirus is a virus spread by rodents such as mice and rats. People can get hantavirus by breathing dust that has rodent urine or droppings. Early symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and cough. Medical care can help, but some people become very ill. If you have fever after travel, see a doctor quickly.