Any death on a cruise ship is a startling occurrence, but when those deaths are from a relatively rare but very deadly disease, it can raise alarms for even the most conscientious cruiser. Such alarms are sounding loud and clear following the deaths of three passengers on Oceanwide Expedition’s MV Hondius believed to be caused by a hantavirus infection.

A suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has killed three people and left at least three others infected, according to the World Health Organization.

One case of hantavirus has been confirmed, with a further five suspected infections under investigation.