Hantavirus on a liner in the Atlantic: EU evacuates its citizens

EU countries have begun urgent evacuation of passengers from the cruise liner MV Hondius after an outbreak of hantavirus, which has already killed three people. The vessel is heading to Tenerife, where passengers will be transported by special flights. This is reported by Reuters.

A deadly outbreak has been recorded on the liner in the Atlantic

According to the World Health Organization, at least eight people on board have fallen ill. In six cases, hantavirus infection has already been confirmed in the laboratory.

Among the dead are a couple from the Netherlands and a German citizen.

The WHO notes that hantavirus is usually transmitted through rodents, but in rare cases, it can be transmitted between people.

The MV Hondius liner left the Cabo Verde area and is currently heading to the Canary Islands.

The EU and WHO are preparing a large-scale evacuation

Germany, France, Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands have already sent planes to evacuate their citizens.

The European Union will additionally send two more planes for other European passengers. The USA and the UK are also preparing separate flights for their citizens.

The vessel is expected to arrive in Tenerife on the night of May 10.

According to Spanish authorities, the evacuation must be completed before worsening weather conditions in the Atlantic, which are forecasted in the coming days.

All passengers and 17 crew members will be evacuated from the ship. Meanwhile, about 30 workers will remain on board to deliver the liner to the Netherlands for complete disinfection.

The Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, will also head to Tenerife to coordinate the operation together with the Spanish authorities.

Hantavirus is a rare but dangerous infection that can cause severe damage to the lungs and internal organs.

For Ukrainians who are traveling on cruises or are in the Canary Islands region, this means possible enhanced sanitary checks and restrictions in ports and airports.