South Africa on High Alert After Hantavirus Cases on Cruise Ship

Kathmandu / Health authorities in South Africa are on high alert following an increased risk of a rare hantavirus infection. The outbreak was detected on the cruise ship “Hondius,” which was traveling from Argentina to the Canary Islands. So far, three people have died and seven others have fallen ill.

The vessel, carrying 147 passengers and crew members, is currently under quarantine near Cape Verde. At the request of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union, Spain has announced it will bring the ship to the Canary Islands for further management.