Update: Andes Strain of Hantavirus Confirmed on Cruise Ship - Evacuation Plans Underway
South African health authorities have confirmed the presence of the Andes strain of hantavirus in two passengers who were on a cruise ship with an outbreak of the rare infection. The passengers were tested after being flown to South Africa, with one British man in intensive care and another passenger tested posthumously after passing away in South Africa. The cruise ship, currently off the coast of Cape Verde, has seen three deaths and at least four other cases of the rodent-borne virus. Plans are in place to evacuate the remaining sick passengers from the ship.