Three people were killed by the Hantavirus.
The World Health Organisation(WHO) confirmed six people were actually infected, three died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa.
The people were passengers of a cruise liner—operated by a Dutch company.
The ship left Argentina three weeks ago and was ultimately heading for the Canary Islands, but is currently off the coast of Cabo Verde in West Africa.
The Hantavirus infection is a rare disease linked to infected rodent droppings or urine that can cause life-threatening respiratory problems.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO chief said in a tweet on Sunday, the agency “is facilitating medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, conducting a full risk assessment, and supporting affected people onboard.”
He also emphasised the significance of “rapid, coordinated action is critical to contain risks and protect public health.”
Symptoms of the disease begin 1–6 weeks after exposure, with initial flu-like signs such as fever and fatigue.
It is contagious, but humans get infected by breathing in airborne particles from contaminated rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
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