Three passengers have died in a suspected hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius in the Atlantic Ocean. One British passenger remains in intensive care.
The ship is currently off the coast of Cape Verde. Local health officials are assessing whether the 1,200 passengers can disembark safely.
Hantavirus is transmitted through inhalation of airborne particles from dried rodent droppings. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and respiratory distress.
Cruise operator Hurtigruten said it is cooperating with health authorities. "Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of all passengers and crew," a company spokesperson said.