3 Dead, Others Ill From Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak On Cruise Ship

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — A cruise ship with nearly 150 people aboard is waiting for help off the coast of Cape Verde in the Atlantic Ocean after three passengers died and three others were left seriously ill in a suspected outbreak of the rare hantavirus. The World Health Organization and the ship's operator reported the deaths and illnesses. The MV Hondius was on a polar cruise from Argentina to Antarctica and several South Atlantic islands. A 70-year-old Dutch man was the first victim. His wife also died after being transferred to South Africa. The ship's operator says the body of a third passenger who died is onboard. A British man tested positive and is critically ill in a South African hospital. The ship was seeking assistance on Monday from Cape Verde, but officials say no one has been allowed to disembark.