Three people have died after a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, the World Health Organization (WHO) has told the BBC.
It reported one confirmed and five suspected cases aboard the MV Hondius ship, which was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde.
One UK national aged 69 is in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa. Local officials told the BBC he had the virus. The UK Foreign Office told the BBC it was monitoring reports, and ready to support British nationals.
Hantavirus is usually passed to humans from rodents via their faeces, saliva or urine. It can cause severe respiratory illness. Rarely, it can be transmitted between people.
The MV Hondius is run by tour company Oceanwide Expeditions.
According to an itinerary on its website, MV Hondius departed from Ushuaia in southern Argentina on 20 March and completed its journey on 4 May in Cape Verde, where it is anchored outside the capital, Praia.
It is described as a 107.6m (353ft) polar cruise ship, with space for 170 passengers in 80 cabins, along with 57 crew members, 13 guides and one doctor.
Foster Mohale, a spokesperson for South Africa’s health ministry, told the BBC there were about 150 tourists from various countries aboard the vessel.
