The World Health Organisation (WHO) says a third case of hantavirus has been confirmed, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to three, alongside five suspected cases.

Earlier, the Swiss government confirmed that a man is being treated in hospital after contracting the virus. He had previously travelled aboard the MV Hondius.

The WHO says the patient sought medical attention after responding to an alert from the ship’s operator, which had informed passengers of a possible health incident on board.

The vessel, currently off the coast of Cape Verde, is en route to the Canary Islands after Spain granted it permission to dock. However, the islands’ President has indicated that the ship will not be allowed to enter.

–ChannelAfrica–