1 Japanese Aboard Cruise Ship Hit by Hantavirus Outbreak

Paris, May 5 (Jiji Press)--A Japanese traveler is among the passengers of the MV Hondius, a cruise ship on which a hantavirus outbreak occurred during a voyage in the Atlantic Ocean, the operator of the vessel said Monday.

A total of about 150 passengers and crew members are aboard the ship, according to the operator.

Three people have died while three others on the ship are showing symptoms such as fever, the World Health Organization said.

Two people, including a dead individual, were confirmed to have been infected with the virus, which is transmitted by rodents such as rats. Infection is suspected for five people.

The virus is rarely transmitted from person to person, but there is no established treatment or vaccine. Passengers have been told to stay in their cabins and keep a distance from others.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]