By Our Correspondent

National News – A Dutch-operated cruise ship, MV Hondius, is facing a hantavirus outbreak while sailing across the Atlantic Ocean after departing Argentina about a month ago.

The outbreak has killed three passengers and sickened at least seven people, including confirmed cases linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, was docked in Cape Verde as authorities coordinated urgent medical evacuations for critically ill crew members, including a British doctor, and a passenger transferred for treatment.

Health officials from Spain have confirmed the vessel will continue its journey to the Canary Islands, either Gran Canaria or Tenerife, where emergency response teams will receive and isolate passengers.

The Spanish health ministry said this is necessary because Cape Verde lacks the required medical capacity to manage large-scale evacuation and treatment.

Out of 149 people still onboard, strict precautionary measures are in place to prevent further transmission.

Seven cases have been identified, two confirmed and five suspected.

Authorities emphasize that the public risk remains low, though monitoring continues as the ship prepares for arrival within days.

Spanish authorities are coordinating hospital aircraft evacuations for two crew members requiring urgent care while tracing all contacts linked to the outbreak.

The World Health Organization has reiterated that hantavirus transmission risk to the general public remains low but stressed the importance of strict isolation and infection control measures onboard and during disembarkation procedures.

Tourism officials in the Canary Islands are preparing health screening facilities to manage incoming passengers and ensure safe onward travel.