Cruise Ship With Hantavirus Outbreak Heads to Spain After 3 Deaths and Evacuations
The MV Hondius is expected to head toward Tenerife after three people were evacuated from the cruise ship during a deadly hantavirus outbreak.
Reuters reported that the ship, which had been held off Cape Verde, was set to leave for Spain’s Canary Islands after three people were evacuated Wednesday. Two were seriously ill. Oceanwide Expeditions said the three were disembarked and flown by medical aircraft for specialized care and screening.
The outbreak has left three people dead and eight confirmed or suspected cases linked to the ship, according to Reuters, citing the World Health Organization.
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Passenger reaction has added to the story’s urgency. Boston travel influencer Jake Rosmarin, who is aboard the ship, said in an Instagram video that passengers were “not just headlines” and wanted clarity, safety and a way home.
WHO says the wider public risk remains low. Health officials say hantavirus usually spreads through infected rodents, while rare human-to-human transmission can occur only through very close contact.
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