A hantavirus outbreak has been reported aboard a luxury cruise ship off the coast of West Africa, affecting passengers mainly from the UK, US, and Spain. The outbreak has resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a Dutch couple and a German national. Health officials are currently evacuating two passengers exhibiting symptoms of the virus. The Netherlands' National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) confirmed that the virus was detected in one patient, with another deceased individual also testing positive. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified seven cases of hantavirus on the ship, including two confirmed and five suspected. Hantavirus, which is primarily transmitted through rodent droppings, can cause severe respiratory illness but does not spread easily between humans. Symptoms typically manifest as flu-like signs, progressing to more severe respiratory issues within days. The WHO has assured that the risk to the general public is low, advising against panic and unnecessary travel restrictions. Authorities in Cape Verde have denied the ship docking as a precautionary measure.