WHO Links Cruise Ship Hantavirus Outbreak to Andes Strain, Spain Agrees to Dock Vessel

The World Health Organization has linked the ongoing hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius to the Andes virus strain , a rare variant that can, in limited circumstances, spread between humans. The outbreak has so far involved seven suspected and confirmed cases , including at least three deaths , with several passengers reported in serious condition.

In a key development, three suspected hantavirus patients have been evacuated from the ship and are on their way to receive medical care in the Netherlands . The evacuation is being carried out in coordination with WHO, the ship’s operator, and national authorities from Cabo Verde, the United Kingdom, Spain, and the Netherlands . WHO said it continues to work closely with the ship’s operator to monitor the health of passengers and crew , and is supporting countries in arranging appropriate medical follow-up and further evacuations where necessary .

The agency also confirmed that monitoring and follow-up have been initiated for passengers still on board and those already disembarked , in coordination with national health authorities. WHO thanked all participating agencies and governments for their cooperation, while reiterating that the overall public health risk remains low at this stage .

The virus is typically spread through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva , but the current outbreak is unusual because it involves the Andes strain, which has previously been associated with rare human-to-human transmission clusters in South America . Health authorities are conducting genetic sequencing and contact tracing to determine whether limited onboard transmission may have occurred or whether passengers were exposed earlier during the voyage.

The MV Hondius, carrying around 147 to 150 passengers and crew from multiple countries , was initially denied entry by Cape Verde due to the outbreak. Spain later agreed to allow the vessel to head toward the Canary Islands for emergency handling and medical support , citing humanitarian necessity. Spanish authorities have prepared strict containment measures , including screening, isolation protocols, and controlled evacuation procedures .

However, the decision has faced opposition in the Canary Islands, where the regional leader has objected to the docking of the hantavirus-hit cruise ship, citing concerns over preparedness and risks to a major tourism hub . The stance reflects tensions between national-level humanitarian coordination and regional public health caution .