Dutch Cruise Ship with Hantavirus Outbreak Heads to Canary Islands After 3 Deaths

A Dutch cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak will sail to the Canary Islands, Spain's health ministry said.

Officials are assessing which passengers need urgent evacuation from Cape Verde, where the MV Hondius is docked. The rest will continue to the Canary Islands, due to arrive in three to four days. The exact port remains undecided.

Three passengers died after the ship left Argentina about a month ago for an Atlantic crossing.

Two crew members, including the ship's doctor, need immediate medical care and await evacuation. A third person connected to a deceased German national also faces evacuation.

The ministry stated the doctor, in serious condition, will fly to the Canary Islands today on a hospital aircraft. The World Health Organization informed authorities that Cape Verde lacks capacity for the operation.

"The Canary Islands are the closest location with the necessary capabilities. Spain has a moral and legal obligation to assist these people, among whom are several Spanish citizens," the statement said.

Hantavirus typically spreads from rodents, but WHO said it may have passed among close contacts on board. The agency noted low risk to the public.