Breaking News: Hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius
A cruise ship, the MV Hondius, is heading to the Canary Islands due to a hantavirus outbreak. Spanish authorities state that 140 passengers and crew will be completely isolated and evacuated.
The Dutch-flagged vessel has been at sea for weeks after at least eight people on board fell ill. It is expected to reach Tenerife early Sunday morning. Passengers will be taken to a secure area for evacuation, with the World Health Organization (WHO) coordinating the process.
Three people have died since the outbreak began, and five passengers who disembarked are confirmed to be infected. However, the cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, reported no current symptoms on board.
Health authorities are monitoring over two dozen passengers who left the ship before the outbreak was detected on May 2. The WHO assesses the risk to the public as low, noting that hantavirus is not easily transmitted between people.
Once in Tenerife, passengers will be evacuated in small boats and transported in isolated vehicles to ensure safety.
