Do viruses spread more easily on cruise ships?

The BBC explains what experts have to say about the infection risks associated with cruise ships. Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Split screen of a woman wearing a black shirt sitting on a red couch and cruise ship in the ocean Do viruses spread more easily on cruise ships? Three people have died from a suspected hantavirus outbreak during a cruise in the Atlantic. The BBC's Claire Keenan explains what experts have to say about the infection risks associated with cruise ships, and whether viruses spread more easily on them. YouTuber Ruhi Çenet was on board the ship, and filmed the announcement made on 12 April. The Dutch foreign ministry confirmed that a British, German and Dutch national had now been taken from the virus-hit ship. Three people have died from a suspected outbreak of the illness that is usually carried by rodents. Marie McGrath was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the start of 2026 Annabelle Mackay, 21, has spoken to the BBC about her experience surviving meningitis. Two Tractor Boys join a project that is tackling oral health and healthy diets among children. Dr Alex George wants better assessment waiting times after paying for expensive private tests. Ekam Dhaliwal discusses his experience following brain tumour surgery. After a New Year's Eve swim at Langland Bay in Swansea in 2023, Dan Richards' life changed forever. Emma Giannuzzi used sunbeds throughout her late teens and was twice diagnosed with melanoma. Dr Bernadette Hard describes the symptoms of the rare "brain sag" condition she suffered. New resources are being designed to improve understanding of common conditions. Toddler Oliver and his dad Ricky join Jon and Sally on the Breakfast sofa, to discuss his progress after his ground-breaking gene therapy. Charlotte had a "fantastic" weekend at Butlin's, unaware of the news she was about to receive. Psychologist and gaming expert Nick Ballou has five ways how gaming can boost your mental health and wellbeing. David Ince says he "wouldn't be here today" if it were not for Paul Harrison and others. BBC science reporter Esme Stallard explains why the radiation from the 1945 atomic bombings is undetectable. Jessica Glasser's parents say families should be told if their child is struggling with their mental health. The father jumped into ocean to save his daughter after she fell overboard as the ship made its way back to Florida. BBC reports from Kenya, home to Sabastian Sawe, the first man to run a marathon in under two hours. Emily and Simion Sawe share their pride at the runner's historic sub-two-hour marathon win. The conflict, which erupted in 2023, has left behind a human toll which is "simply staggering", reports the BBC's Barbara Plett Usher. DR Congo are back at the World Cup for the first time since 1974, with fans in Kinshasa celebrating the team's 1-0 play-off win over Jamaica. Lava from the Piton de la Fournaise volcano reached the Indian ocean for the first time in 19 years. Ramadan and Lent haven't overlapped since 1993 and couples like Olanrewaju and Kaosara in Nigeria are observing them together. Ethiopia unveils its first unmanned, 'smart' police station where citizens can report crimes on automated touch screens. At least 78 bodies have been buried, while it's feared that more than 170 people were killed altogether. Nearly 700,000 people have been affected by weeks of severe flooding in Mozambique Senegalese fans celebrate their team's victory at the Africa Cup of Nations. President Yoweri Museveni is in a commanding lead ahead of his main challenger, pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine. Ongoing floods in the north-eastern provinces of South Africa has led to the closure of the world-famous Kruger National Park. Logistical problems lead to queues and some disgruntled voters as Ugandans elect their next president. According to reports, the boat had suffered motor failure before drifting to the edge of the dam. The Kenyan marathoner has all the running accolades he needs but is now focusing on new goals. Residents of the main city express shock after soldiers tried to overthrow the president. A growing number of women in South Africa are learning to use guns to protect themselves against gender-based violence. From fleets of e-bikes to individual riders, eWaka aims to sell across Africa's delivery market. Fighters from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have executed a number of unarmed people after capturing the Sudanese city of el-Fasher, new videos analysed by BBC Verify show. Entrepreneur Talifhani Banks has bought a modern delivery system to smaller firms in South Africa.