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A cruise ship traveling over the waters of Antarctica has become a nightmare for its passengers and crew when a hantavirus outbreak broke out aboard the ship. When a hantavirus outbreak suddenly occurred aboard an Antarctic cruise ship, it made for a terrible experience for passengers and crew in the luxury ship MV Hondius. The 149 passengers from 23 countries, who were aboard the ship Ina Amour Travel from the Netherlands, are now moored near the Cape Verde Islands following the deaths of three passengers and the detection of eight and suspected four in the area.

Amongst the crew are two persons from India. The Ministry of External Affairs is keeping a close watch on their situation, as no details on their health status have been released publicly till now, and concerns have been raised by those in the country.

Hantavirus is a little-known, highly virulent rodent-borne virus that generally elicits a serious respiratory infection. It's a feature of a cruise ship where this outbreak has been unusual. Crossing through the waters of Antarctica and already having made its way back home out of Argentina before crossing the Atlantic.

A coordinated action between health authorities, including WHO. A number of passengers have been taken to the hospital for treatment, while others have been placed under observation. The vessel is scheduled to sail for Spain's Canary Islands for additional disembarkations, which will be done according to strict procedures.

This has resulted in international surveillance for possible contacts in several countries. But experts warn that it is rare for humans to contract hantavirus from animals and say it's important to remain vigilant.