Luxury Cruise Ship Departs Cape Verde for Spain After Hantavirus Outbreak Kills Three
A luxury cruise ship struck by a hantavirus outbreak has left Cape Verde and is now heading to Spain’s Canary Islands after three passengers were evacuated.
The MV Hondius, carrying nearly 150 people, departed on Wednesday following a suspension since Sunday off Cape Verde’s coast. Three people have been taken off the vessel so far, two of them in serious condition. Health authorities in Spain confirmed the ship is expected to dock in Tenerife within three days.
Officials say eight people are either confirmed or suspected to have contracted hantavirus, and three have died. Despite this, those remaining on board are not currently showing symptoms, according to Spain’s health minister.
Hantavirus typically spreads through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings, and saliva. Human-to-human transmission is rare.
Spanish health officials are preparing to screen and manage passengers once the ship arrives in Tenerife.