Spain is preparing to evacuate over 140 passengers and crew from the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius, which has been stranded at sea due to a hantavirus outbreak. The vessel is expected to arrive in Tenerife, Canary Islands, early Sunday morning.
Key Takeaways
A hantavirus-stricken cruise ship is heading to Spain's Canary Islands for passenger evacuation after weeks at sea. At least eight people fell ill, three died, and five tested positive for hantavirus.
- Cruise ship MV Hondius with 140 passengers arrives in Tenerife
- Three deaths reported; five confirmed infections on board
- WHO considers public risk low but monitors situation closely
- Passengers to be evacuated via small boats to isolated buses
The ship has reported at least eight cases of illness, with three deaths and five confirmed infections among passengers who disembarked before the outbreak was detected on May 2. According to cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions, there are currently no symptomatic individuals on board.
Spanish authorities have stated that passengers will be taken to a completely isolated area upon arrival. World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is expected to coordinate the evacuation efforts. The WHO has assessed the risk to the wider public as low, emphasizing that hantavirus is not easily transmitted between people.
Health authorities across four continents are tracking passengers who disembarked before the outbreak was identified. Concerns have been raised by some Spanish residents and anti-establishment groups about potential health risks and inadequate containment measures. Passengers will be evacuated in small boats to buses, then transported in isolated vehicles with cordoned-off airport sections.
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