Cruise ship affected by hantavirus set to head to the Canary Islands, with passengers scheduled for health evaluations.

Spain has authorized the MV Hondius, a cruise ship grappling with a Hantavirus outbreak, to sail to the Canary Islands as part of efforts to manage a growing health crisis onboard. This decision comes after Cape Verde announced its inability to handle the situation, prompting Spanish authorities to step in. The vessel is expected to dock at either Gran Canaria or Tenerife within the next few days, where passengers and crew will undergo medical screenings under stringent containment protocols.

The outbreak has resulted in three fatalities, including a Dutch couple and a German national. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a total of seven cases linked to the ship, with two confirmed and five suspected infections among those who traveled from Argentina. A British national who tested positive for the virus is currently receiving treatment in South Africa. In addition, two crew members, including the ship’s doctor, are in urgent need of medical assistance and will be evacuated via hospital aircraft, along with another individual exhibiting suspected symptoms.

Spanish health authorities have assured that all necessary precautions will be implemented during the evacuations and upon the ship's arrival to minimize any risk of exposure to the public. The health ministry stated that once the ship reaches the Canary Islands, all individuals onboard will be thoroughly examined, treated if necessary, and subsequently repatriated to their home countries in collaboration with international health organizations.

Health officials suspect that the outbreak may involve the Andes strain of hantavirus, which is known to spread through close human contact, although such transmission is considered rare. The WHO has indicated that infections likely spread among individuals in close quarters, such as shared cabins, while initial exposure may have occurred prior to boarding or during wildlife excursions. Currently, around 149 passengers and crew members from 23 different countries remain onboard under strict isolation measures.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, officials have emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low. All interactions with passengers will occur in specially designated facilities and transport systems designed to prevent any contact with local residents. The MV Hondius was originally marketed as an Antarctic expedition cruise, having visited remote destinations before the outbreak was identified.