The cruise ship MV Hondius is not allowed to dock in Cape Verde and is therefore stationed off the capital, Praia.
On board, passengers have been asked to remain in their cabins after several people have fallen ill, according to DR.
The ship was sailing from Argentina to the Canary Islands, but the journey has been interrupted.
Authorities are now considering what to do with the passengers, while a few sick individuals are being prepared for evacuation.
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Course of the disease
Several people on board have been infected with hantavirus.
According to DR, there is a 40 percent chance of death if infected, but it can also lead to severe or milder symptoms.
The World Health Organization assesses that transmission may have occurred between people, possibly from a passenger who was already ill at departure.
The illness typically begins like the flu, with fever and body aches. It can later develop into serious breathing problems.
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The incubation period can be long and extend over several weeks, making the spread difficult to control.
A difficult situation
There is no targeted treatment, so care focuses on supporting the body as effectively as possible through the illness.
According to experts consulted by DR, the risk of the disease spreading beyond the ship is low.
Nevertheless, the situation is complex, as it is unclear when passengers can leave the ship without risk.
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Sources: DR.
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