The World Health Organisation said one case of hantavirus has been confirmed, with five more cases suspected.
One passenger is currently in intensive care, and two crew members “require urgent medical care”.
Here’s what you need to know.
Hantavirus
Hantavirus is a dangerous infectious disease spread by rodents. Humans can contract it if they come into contact with urine or faeces from an infected rodent.
The virus can cause a range of symptoms. Early signs include fever, muscle aches and fatigue, typically appearing one to eight weeks after infection.
People then develop a cough, shortness of breath and tightness in their chest.
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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 38% of infected people with these respiratory symptoms die.
In some cases, some people develop haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, an illness causing bleeding and kidney failure.
There have been no reported cases of hantavirus in humans in Australia. However, it is still possible for rodents to carry the virus in Australia.
Cruise update
The ship, the MV Hondius, was sailing from Argentina to Cabo Verde, a country made up of several islands off the north-west coast of Africa.
Three passengers died onboard the ship from the virus, one infected passenger is in hospital in South Africa, and two infected crew members remain on the ship.
The cruise ship company, Oceanwide Expeditions, said it was awaiting clearance from authorities in Cabo Verde to allow people to disembark for medical care.
