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Cruise ship rerouted to Canary Islands amid hantavirus outbreak
Spanish health authorities have directed the MV Hondius, a Dutch-flagged cruise ship with confirmed hantavirus cases, to sail to the Canary Islands after three passengers died during its transatlantic voyage.
Urgent evacuations underway
Two crew members, including the ship's British doctor, require immediate medical attention and were scheduled for evacuation via hospital aircraft to the Canary Islands on Tuesday. A third passenger, linked to a German national who died on May 2, was also set to be airlifted from Cape Verde, where the vessel was docked.
Spain's health ministry stated officials were assessing which additional passengers needed urgent evacuation.
Outbreak details and fatalities
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported seven hantavirus cases-two confirmed and five suspected-among those on board. The confirmed cases include a Dutch woman who died and a 69-year-old British passenger evacuated to South Africa for treatment.
The woman's husband and a German national also died, though neither has been confirmed as hantavirus cases. South Africa's health ministry confirmed the two verified cases involve the Andes strain, which can spread between humans in close contact.
Passengers and crew under quarantine
Oceanwide Expeditions, the ship's operator, said 149 people from 23 countries remained on board under "strict precautionary measures." Among them are 23 British nationals, including the ailing doctor.
The vessel departed Argentina about a month ago, and Spanish authorities expect it to reach the Canary Islands within three to four days. The exact port-either Gran Canaria or Tenerife-has yet to be finalized.
Spain's response and next steps
Spain's health ministry emphasized the country's "moral and legal obligation" to assist those on board, including Spanish citizens. The WHO reportedly stated that Cape Verde lacked the capacity to manage the evacuation.
Upon arrival, passengers and crew will undergo medical evaluations, receive necessary care, and begin repatriation. Authorities will conduct all interactions in isolated facilities to prevent contact with the local population and protect healthcare workers.
Public health risk assessed as low
While hantavirus typically spreads through rodents, the WHO noted human-to-human transmission is possible in "very close contacts," such as those in confined spaces like the ship. However, the agency stressed the risk to the general public remains minimal.
