Health authorities are racing to secure a port for a cruise ship currently stalled off the West African coast following a hantavirus outbreak that has killed three people, according to France 24.
Passengers on the vessel are currently in isolation as officials attempt to find a safe destination for the ship to dock. The outbreak has prompted an urgent search for a way to bring the ship ashore without risking further spread.
Potential human-to-human transmission
The World Health Organization (WHO) is investigating the scope of the infection. The outlet reported that the WHO suspects some rare human-to-human transmission of the virus may have occurred between close contacts on board the ship.
While hantaviruses are typically spread through contact with infected rodents, the possibility of person-to-person transmission has heightened the urgency of the medical response.
As of Tuesday, the ship remained at sea. No specific port has been confirmed for the vessel's arrival, according to the report.
