Three people died and five more cases remain under investigation in a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard an Atlantic cruise ship. The World Health Organization confirmed one hantavirus infection and is examining five additional suspected cases. Hantavirus is spread primarily through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. The virus can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe respiratory illness with a fatality rate around 38 percent in North America. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, coughing, and shortness of breath, typically appearing one to five weeks after exposure. Cruise ships occasionally report disease clusters due to close quarters and shared ventilation systems, though hantavirus outbreaks on vessels are rare. Health authorities typically respond by isolating confirmed cases, deep cleaning affected areas, and implementing rodent control measures. The ship's operator and local health officials have not yet disclosed the vessel's identity or location, or how many passengers and crew were aboard at the time.