Authorities Search for Passengers Who Disembarked Cruise Ship Before Hantavirus Discovery

Authorities are searching for passengers who left the cruise ship MV Hondius at Saint Helena island before a hantavirus outbreak was discovered on board. The passengers disembarked before health officials identified the viral infection among those remaining on the vessel. The first victim of the hantavirus outbreak was a 70-year-old Dutch man who began feeling ill on April 6. Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious viral infection that can cause severe respiratory illness and is typically transmitted through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva.