A hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship has resulted in three deaths and several illnesses. Hantaviruses, carried by rodents, can cause serious diseases like hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The virus spreads primarily through contact with infected rodent droppings. Symptoms can resemble flu-like conditions, and the disease can be fatal. There is no specific cure, and prevention involves reducing contact with rodents. A recent case involved Betsy Arakawa, who died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.