CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — A suspected outbreak of rare hantavirus infection aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has claimed three lives, including an elderly married couple, and infected at least three others, the World Health Organization and South Africa's Department of Health announced Sunday.

The WHO confirmed that an investigation is underway with at least one confirmed hantavirus case. One patient is receiving intensive care in a South African hospital, and the UN health agency is coordinating with authorities to evacuate two symptomatic individuals from the vessel.

The Dutch cruise operator reports the ship is currently anchored off Cape Verde, an island nation off West Africa's coast. Local authorities are assisting but have not permitted anyone to leave the ship. The two ill crew members aboard require urgent medical attention.

Hantavirus infections spread primarily through rodent contact

Hantaviruses, found worldwide, are transmitted mainly through contact with urine or feces from infected rodents such as rats and mice. The infection gained public attention following the death of Betsy Arakawa, wife of late actor Gene Hackman, from hantavirus in New Mexico last year. Hackman died approximately one week later at their home from heart disease.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hantaviruses cause two serious syndromes: hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which severely affects the lungs, and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, which severely affects the kidneys.

While uncommon, the WHO notes hantavirus can spread between people. No specific treatment or cure exists, though early medical intervention improves survival chances.

"WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean," the organization stated. "Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing and epidemiological analysis. Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew. Virus sequencing is also underway."

Weekslong cruise originated in Argentina

South Africa's Department of Health identified the vessel as the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius, which departed Argentina approximately three weeks ago on a cruise visiting Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and other ports. The ship was scheduled to ultimately reach Spain's Canary Islands across the Atlantic.

The first victim, a 70-year-old man, died aboard the ship, with his body removed in the British territory of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic, according to the South African health department. His wife collapsed at an airport in South Africa while attempting to board a flight to her home country, the Netherlands, and subsequently died at a nearby hospital.

The patient in intensive care at a Johannesburg hospital is identified as a British national, the department stated.

At 12:40 p.m. on May 4, 2569 at the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters, MP Nattchonon Srigokeua of Songkhla addressed criticism of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for not prosecuting a case involving approximately 1.3 million baht in medical expenses received from another person in 2562 in exchange for hiring a personal expert consultant. He stated the matter is currently under appeal at the NACC stage.

He explained that when he appeals, there will be additional witness examination procedures, but he personally wants a decision made immediately because it significantly affects him—including matters of royal honors that he has missed opportunities for over the years. He asked the NACC to reconsider his request, confirming this is not an attempt to manipulate the case, and requested the fastest possible resolution as it may impact his future position and public confidence. He stressed this concerns medical treatment, not fraud or serious corruption.

"It was merely medical treatment, surgery—I nearly died but survived, though politically I nearly perished. I came back to work and ask for the chance to return to serving the nation," Nattchonon said.

Thai badminton star "Bass" Dechapol Puavaranukroh has posted a heartfelt thank you message after being voted by fellow athletes to receive the Best Sportmanship award at the Thomas-Uber Cup badminton tournament.

The 28-year-old is a key member of Thailand's national men's badminton team and competed in the Thomas-Uber Cup, advancing to the quarterfinals before the tournament concluded.

Following the competition, Bass expressed his gratitude to the athletes who voted for him, stating he felt deeply honored and delighted by the recognition. In his post, he wrote: "Thank you for the Best Sportmanship award that my fellow athletes voted for me. I feel greatly honored and pleased to receive this award. I will continue to work hard and do my best to live up to the recognition you've given me. Finally, I want to thank Richard Choi for the surprise interview and thank you for this special award."

On April 4, 2569 at 13:25, Raveeri Perisananunkul, Ang Thong MP and Bhumjaithai Party member serving as coalition leader, addressed the certification of cabinet-approved legislation, specifically the Clean Air Act. The coalition has coordinated with the cabinet on law confirmation and believes the cabinet will conduct comprehensive consideration and submit the bill within the set deadline, expected to occur before May 12, which is the deadline.

Regarding opposition MP Prit Watcharasindu's statement that if the government doesn't approve the bill by May 5, he will invite the cabinet secretary to explain in the opposition why the law failed, Raveeri expressed confidence that there's no cause for concern. He stated clarification would come next week when the cabinet meets to determine its stance, as there are multiple bills under review, most of which are expected to receive cabinet approval. Whether approval comes on May 5 or May 12 remains within the cabinet's authority.

Concerning the opposition's plan to submit parliamentary questions for the prime minister this week, Raveeri noted it follows parliamentary rules and that coordination occurs weekly with the cabinet. He reiterated the coalition's commitment to collaboration and urged the opposition to specify their questions in advance so relevant ministers can respond directly, expressing that putting politics aside and prioritizing public welfare would enable progress.

When asked about the likelihood of the prime minister responding to opposition questions rather than only government-sponsored ones, Raveeri said it depends on the prime minister's schedule each week. Regarding today's Bhumjaithai Party parliamentary meeting agenda, he explained it concerns preparation for parliamentary proceedings this week, including which motions will be submitted and live parliamentary questions, which this week will be from the Bhumjaithai Party.

According to foreign media reports, an American man has disclosed that he received an autism diagnosis at age 42 after spending decades being "misdiagnosed and taking the wrong medications."

Tyler Barnett went viral on TikTok after posting an emotional video celebrating finally finding answers he'd been searching for. In the clip, he became tearful while telling his 28,700 followers how "relieved" he felt after being officially diagnosed with autism and ADHD. He captioned the post: "Feeling so much relief…but so much grief for little me who deserved to know this long ago," which garnered hundreds of thousands of views.

In the comments, Tyler explained that he waited two months for intensive psychological testing to receive an official diagnosis. He revealed that he had consulted ChatGPT and began "self-diagnosing" before health experts later confirmed the diagnosis.

Tyler shared that he had previously lived feeling like a "fake person." He believes signs of both autism and ADHD were present throughout his life, but no one ever saw the full picture of his struggles.

Recalling his childhood, Tyler described feeling like an "outsider looking from a distance" and not knowing how to fit in with others. He gave an example of seeing a group of children linking arms, jumping and laughing together, but not understanding why it was fun or how to join in.

This PR professional also noted that adults around him never realized he was struggling, forcing him to constantly try to "make others comfortable in his presence."

"I was told I should adapt to others, and if I couldn't, it meant I had a problem. That might be where the masking started," he said.

To avoid being the center of attention, he began mimicking his friends' behavior. He also had learning difficulties but managed to pass tests by "guessing," which he believes was due to pattern recognition abilities associated with autism.

"I got through life, seemed no different from anyone else and survived, but on the outside it's like I disappeared from people's sight," he said, adding that internally he was filled with pain, exhaustion, confusion, and fear that he constantly had to hide.

As an adult, Tyler sought mental health help and was treated for anxiety and depression throughout his 20s. However, the medications caused more harm than good and led to addiction problems, while his mental health continued to deteriorate.

At 30, a doctor diagnosed him with bipolar disorder and prescribed stronger medications that made him feel like a "zombie." Despite seeing multiple specialists, he felt his core issue was never discovered, leading to repeated misdiagnoses.

Wat Pa Pu Pha Sung and the adjacent monastic quarters of Wat Phra Brom Dhatu Chedi Sri Pu Pha Sung (Phra Thatu Chom Pha) in Nakhon Ratchasima Province will host a grand ceremony to enshrine a statue of Emperor Ashoka at the "Dharma Victory" altar on May 10, 2026 at 3:00 PM. The event, organized in collaboration with the Thanya Kongthop Tham Foundation led by lawyer Anantchai Chaidej, is significant for both Thai and Sri Lankan Buddhism and expects large Buddhist attendance.

The ceremony will be presided over by the Chief Sangha Patriarch of Sri Lanka, Waaragakodata Sri Gnanaratana Mahathero from the Siamese lineage, along with other senior monks and government officials. Phra Maha Theernath Akkhadheero, the presiding monk of Wat Pa Pu Pha Sung, described the event as a rare and special opportunity for Thai Buddhists to pay respects to the visiting Sri Lankan Sangha Patriarch, symbolizing the victory of Dharma over Adharma. The Thanya Kongthop Tham Foundation will provide significant support including coordination, activity organization, establishment of food stations, and volunteer mobilization.

Wat Pa Pu Pha Sung, established in 1994 on Khao Chang Luang at approximately 760 meters elevation, operates within the Dhammayuttika Nikaya and contains over 2,800 rai of forest as a peaceful meditation center. The visit of the Sri Lankan Chief Sangha Patriarch reflects strengthened cooperation between Thailand and Sri Lanka, as well as deeper relations between the Thai and Sri Lankan Buddhist communities.