Germany, France and Netherlands Evacuate Citizens From Hantavirus-Hit Cruise Ship

European countries are preparing emergency evacuation flights after a deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship heading toward Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands. Germany, France, Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands are sending aircraft to bring home their citizens, while the European Union is arranging additional flights for remaining passengers.

The Dutch-flagged ship, carrying around 150 people, is expected to arrive near Tenerife on Sunday. Spanish authorities confirmed the vessel will remain offshore, with passengers transferred to land by smaller boats before heading to the airport.

WHO Says Global Risk Remains Low

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he would travel to Tenerife to oversee a safe disembarkation process. Health officials stressed that no new passengers are showing symptoms.

Three people, including a Dutch couple and a German woman, have died during the outbreak. Officials confirmed cases involve the Andes virus, the only hantavirus strain known to spread between humans.

Safety Measures and International Monitoring Continue

Passengers onboard are reportedly wearing masks and maintaining distance, while several countries continue monitoring suspected cases linked to the ship.