A Dutch expedition cruise ship affected by a rare hantavirus outbreak is heading toward Spain’s Canary Islands after three people were medically evacuated from the vessel, raising speculation over the spread of the disease aboard the ship.
The MV Hondius, which had been stranded off the coast of Cape Verde, departed Wednesday for the Canary Islands with roughly 150 passengers and crew still on board.
Health officials say at least three people have died in connection with the outbreak, while several others have tested positive or are under investigation for possible infection.
According to reports from PBS NewsHour and Reuters, the evacuated patients included two confirmed hantavirus cases and one suspected infection.
The ship’s doctor was reportedly among those airlifted for treatment in the Netherlands. Medical teams wearing protective equipment were seen transferring patients from the vessel to ambulances before departure.
Read More: WHO Says Low Risk After Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship
The outbreak has drawn global attention because officials believe the strain involved may be the Andes variant of hantavirus; a rare form capable of limited human-to-human transmission.
Most hantavirus infections are typically spread through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. The Hondius began its voyage in Ushuaia, Argentina, in early April on a polar expedition route through the South Atlantic.
Investigators are examining whether passengers may have been exposed during excursions in remote wildlife areas before symptoms emerged.
Spain has agreed to allow the ship to dock in the Canary Islands for medical care and repatriation efforts, despite opposition from the Islands.
Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo criticized the decision, citing concerns about local healthcare capacity and the risk of further transmission.
The World Health Organization has been coordinating with health agencies in several countries to monitor passengers and trace contacts linked to the outbreak.
