Two individuals aboard the cruise ship Hondius tested positive for hantavirus and were carrying the Andes variant, according to South Africa’s health authorities. Officials noted that, unlike many other strains, this version of the virus can spread between people when they are in close proximity.A woman from the Netherlands later died after becoming sick aboard the vessel, while a British passenger who also fell ill was hospitalized in South Africa and remains in intensive care. Details about the Andes strain were presented to parliament on Wednesday.

Two individuals aboard the cruise ship Hondius tested positive for hantavirus and were carrying the Andes variant, according to South Africa’s health authorities. Officials noted that, unlike many other strains, this version of the virus can spread between people when they are in close proximity.A woman from the Netherlands later died after becoming sick aboard the vessel, while a British passenger who also fell ill was hospitalized in South Africa and remains in intensive care. Details about the Andes strain were presented to parliament on Wednesday.