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Passengers on board a cruise ship where a deadly virus has broken out are "in good spirits" despite taking precautions like "masking up" and social distancing, GB News has been told. A passenger on board the MV Hindus told GB News that indoor gatherings have been banned by health officials, who are grappling to contain the spread of a deadly hantavirus outbreak. Passengers on the expedition vessel were also told additional stocks of medication have been loaded onto the boat. Some passengers are choosing to eat in their cabins, GB News understands, after two Brits on board became critically unwell with the suspected virus. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say “Everyone else onboard is doing well and remains in good spirits,” said passanger Jake Rosmarin, in a statement to GB News. The world health organisation has said they believe the virus may have spread through human to human contact on the ship. However, the virus is more commonly carried by rodents such as rats and mice. Mr Rosmarin told GB News that the boat has "strict protocols and a strong emphasis on cleanliness" due to the "environmentally sensitive regions they visit, which require high levels of biosecurity". MV Hindus set sail from Argentina on an Atlantic crossing around a month ago. The boat is currently anchored up near Cape Verde, off the coast of Western Africa. It is unclear yet whether passengers will be allowed to disembark. Jake Rosmarin, who is stuck on board, said "we are hopeful that this situation will be resolved soon". It comes as health authorities warn that Hantavirus, while rare, can lead to severe and sometimes fatal respiratory illness. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Watch moment American GB News guest admits: 'I'm just FLABBERGASTED' at state of UK military Donald Tusk warns 'Nato is disintegrating' after US withdraws thousands of troops from Germany Second Briton on cruise ship shows hantavirus symptoms as UK coordinates evacuation Experts say the virus is typically spread through exposure to infected rodent droppings, urine or saliva, rather than human-to-human transmission. Early symptoms can resemble flu, including fever, fatigue and muscle aches, making initial detection challenging. In more serious cases, patients can develop breathing difficulties as the infection progresses to the lungs. There is currently no specific cure, with treatment focused on supportive care and early hospital intervention. The confined nature of cruise ships can complicate efforts to isolate suspected cases and reassure passengers. Questions have also been raised about how the illness may have been introduced during the vessel’s extended voyage. Health officials are continuing to assess the risk to those onboard and any potential exposure pathways. The outbreak has drawn attention to the risks posed by zoonotic diseases in remote or contained environments. Families of passengers have been left anxiously awaiting updates as the situation unfolds. Authorities are expected to provide further guidance as more test results and medical assessments are completed. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
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