Final Evacuation Flight for Hantavirus-Hit Ship Leaves Monday — Minister
A general view of the cruise ship MV Hondius stationary off the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on May 3, 2026. An outbreak of "severe acute respiratory illness" on board a cruise ship in the Atlantic has left two people dead and a third in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa's health ministry told AFP on May 3, 2026. The outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius, travelling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde. The patient being treated in Johannesburg tested positive for a hantavirus, a fa
Spanish authorities have announced that the final evacuation flight for passengers aboard a cruise ship affected by a deadly hantavirus outbreak will depart the Canary Islands on Monday.
According to Spain’s health ministry, the evacuation operation was launched following the detection of multiple hantavirus cases linked to the vessel, prompting emergency medical and containment measures.
Officials said affected passengers and crew members have been receiving medical attention while authorities continue efforts to prevent further spread of the disease.
The outbreak triggered concern among health authorities due to the virus’s potentially severe respiratory complications, leading to swift quarantine and evacuation procedures.
Spanish officials stated that investigations into the source of the outbreak are ongoing as public health teams monitor the situation closely.
