Spain prepares coordinated evacuation of hantavirus-affected cruise ship at Canary Islands; WHO confirms low public risk

Spain is preparing a carefully managed evacuation of the MV Hondius cruise ship, expected to arrive in Tenerife on Sunday, with over 140 passengers and crew members aboard. Three deaths have occurred since the outbreak began, with five confirmed infections of the Andes virus strain detected among passengers. Health authorities across multiple continents are conducting contact tracing for 25+ passengers who disembarked on April 24 before the outbreak was identified. A KLM flight attendant who briefly contacted an infected passenger tested negative for hantavirus, easing transmission concerns. Spanish officials emphasize strict containment protocols including isolated boat transfers, cordoned vehicles, and sealed airport pathways. The WHO confirms that public risk remains low, noting that while Andes virus can rarely spread person-to-person, transmission typically occurs through rodent droppings. International repatriation flights are being coordinated, with the US and UK arranging aircraft for their citizens.