Mass evacuation underway from Andes virus-infected MV Hondius cruise ship off Canary Islands; passengers repatriated to multiple countries

The MV Hondius cruise ship remains anchored off Tenerife, Canary Islands, following an Andes virus outbreak that has killed three people and infected five passengers. A mass evacuation began Sunday, with passengers and crew from over 20 nationalities being repatriated to their home countries via coordinated international flights. None of the 140+ people on board has shown symptoms. Despite WHO assurances of low general public risk, evacuation personnel wore full protective gear including hazmat suits and respirators; passengers were disinfected before departure. The ship will proceed to Rotterdam for disinfection. A suspected case was identified among a former passenger now in remote Tristan da Cunha, prompting British military medical personnel deployment. Authorities emphasize that hantavirus typically spreads via rodent droppings inhalation, though the Andes strain may rarely transmit person-to-person.