Three people have died following a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced. One case of hantavirus infection has been confirmed, with a further five suspected cases currently under investigation by health authorities.
Hantavirus is a rare viral infection that can cause severe respiratory and kidney disease. It is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with urine, faeces, or saliva of infected rodents, or by inhaling airborne virus when these are disturbed. Person-to-person transmission is extremely rare, though not impossible with certain strains.
The specific route of transmission on board the cruise ship and the nationalities of those affected have not yet been disclosed. Cruise ships are popular among British holidaymakers, with thousands embarking on voyages globally each year. The UK government advises travellers to be aware of health risks when abroad and to ensure they have adequate travel insurance.
While hantavirus is not typically found in the UK, Public Health England (PHE) monitors international disease outbreaks and provides guidance to the public and healthcare professionals. The UK's robust public health surveillance systems are designed to detect and respond to imported cases of infectious diseases, should they occur.