Officials finally think they know origin of hantavirus outbreak on cruise that caused three deaths

The death toll from a hantavirus outbreak that erupted aboard a cruise ship registered under the flag of the Netherlands is currently at three. Nine individuals have been infected by the virus through this ship, according to the CBS.

Hantaviruses are a rare group of viruses that are typically transmitted through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these types of viral infections can lead to severe pulmonary complications. The strain of hantavirus identified aboard the M/V Hondius cruise ship is known as the Andes virus, which is the only hantavirus currently known to spread from person to person. Health officials say transmission generally requires prolonged close contact.

The World Health Organization confirmed that contact tracing operations and isolation protocols are currently taking place in several countries connected to passengers who left the M/V Hondius in April. Authorities are also investigating possible exposure involving a commercial flight tied to one infected traveler.