Kathmandu, May 8 -- At least three people have died, and five others have been infected with hantavirus in an outbreak that began last month on a luxury cruise ship carrying 147 passengers and crew. One patient is in critical condition, and three others have mild symptoms, according to the World Health Organisation.

The ship remained anchored off Cape Verde for several days after authorities refused disembarkation over virus concerns, and is now en route to Spain's Canary Islands.

The UN health body said that the hantavirus cluster is linked to the same vessel, which had passengers and crew from around 23 countries, including Indians.

Media reports suggest the outbreak involves Andes strain, which is common in parts of Argentina and Ch...