Overview
- The World Health Organization and the ship’s operator report three passenger deaths and at least three people seriously ill on a vessel carrying about 150 people off Cape Verde.
- Officials describe the incident as a suspected outbreak of a rare hantavirus, with the ship awaiting help near the islands.
- Laboratory confirmation of the pathogen has not been announced, so the cause of illness remains unverified.
- Passengers have posted public pleas for assistance, including a tearful Instagram video by US travel blogger Jake Rosmarin from on board.
- No details have been released on medical evacuations or transfers, and reporting to date focuses on the ship’s status as it waits for assistance.