Cruise ship isolated in Brazil with possible cases

A cruise ship with more than 600 people onboard was docked in isolation at a port in Recife, northern Brazil, on Friday after two passengers reported symptoms resembling that of the new coronavirus. Brazil's Health Ministry said the two passengers were under medical surveillance and their diagnosis would determine if the whole Silver Shadow boat would remain under quarantine.

The measure was announced by the ministry after some passengers had left the boat, but they had since been returned. This decision isolated the 318 passengers and 291 crew members onboard.

Brazil has reported at least 77 cases of the virus, two of which appeared in Pernambuco, and no deaths. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.

According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.