The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported eight confirmed cases of hantavirus, including three deaths.

Speaking at a Media Conference on Thursday, WHO Director Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that the virus is a result of contact with rodents.

“Five of the eight cases have been confirmed as hantavirus, and the other three are suspected. Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents that can cause severe disease in humans. People are usually infected through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings, or saliva.”