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8h ago

Spain Prepares Controlled Evacuations as Hantavirus Cases Linked to Cruise Reach Six

Controlled transfers in Tenerife follow a WHO assessment that public risk is low.

Passengers on the the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship, MV Hondius, watch epidemiologists board the boat in Praia, during their voyage to Spain's port of Tenerife, on May 6.
Australian consular officials are headed to Spain to assist four Australians and one permanent resident on board the hantavirus stricken vessel.
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Overview

  • The WHO on Friday confirmed six Andes‑strain hantavirus cases and three deaths tied to the MV Hondius and judged risk low for the public but moderate for people on board.
  • Spanish officials expect the ship to reach Tenerife on Sunday with passengers moved through a sealed area and disembarked only when repatriation flights are ready.
  • The United States and the United Kingdom will send planes to evacuate their citizens, and a dedicated biocontainment unit in Omaha plans to quarantine 17 Americans.
  • Tracing continues for more than two dozen travelers who left the ship at St. Helena on April 24, and a flight attendant feared exposed later tested negative for hantavirus.
  • Because incubation can run up to six weeks, officials say more cases may surface even as the operator reports no current symptoms among those still on the vessel.