A cruise vessel linked to several hantavirus infections is set to arrive at the Spanish island of Tenerife in the early hours of Sunday, where health officials will carry out screening and quarantine procedures for passengers and crew.
The ship’s operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, said international and local authorities are coordinating the response, including the World Health Organization, Dutch health agencies and Spanish officials.
The Dutch-flagged expedition ship, HV Hondius, had remained anchored for several days near Cape Verde after reports of the outbreak emerged. It is now sailing toward Tenerife and is expected to dock at the port of Granadilla.
As of Friday evening, the company said no one on board was showing symptoms. However, health authorities have confirmed six hantavirus cases connected to the voyage, including three deaths involving an elderly Dutch couple and a German woman. Two other suspected cases are still under investigation.
Once the ship docks, Spanish health officials will take charge of medical checks and determine how passengers can safely continue their journeys home.
The cruise departed from southern Argentina on April 1 with fewer than 150 people on board.
