Hantavirus deaths on cruise ship highlight dangers of rodent-borne disease

A suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic has left at least three people dead and triggered an international investigation — putting the rare but potentially deadly disease back in the spotlight. 

The World Health Organization has stated on X that one case of hantavirus infection has been confirmed, while five additional suspected cases are pending. 

Of the six people affected, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa.

WHAT IS HANTAVIRUS...