Three more people were evacuated from the ship where the hantanavirus outbreak occurred

The cruise ship MV Hondius, on board of which there was an outbreak of hantavirus that resulted in the death of three people, spent several days off the coast of Cape Verde, heading to the Canary Islands, which are territory of Spain.

Three more infected people were evacuated from the ship: a 65-year-old German citizen whose companion died of the disease on May 2, a 56-year-old British retired policeman and a Dutch crew member aged 41.

Hantaviruses are carried by rodents and are transmitted to humans through contact with their urine, droppings or saliva, or through inhalation of contaminated dust. However, it is noted that in at least one of the cases that occurred on board, the infection occurred from person to person.

146 people remain on board the ship, including citizens of 23 countries. The authorities of the Canary Islands oppose the arrival of the liner, despite the permission issued by the Spanish government. They fear an outbreak of infection.