Spain Prepares for Evacuations as Hantavirus-Stricken Cruise Ship Approaches Canary Islands
Spanish authorities are preparing to receive over 140 passengers and crew from the MV Hondius, a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak, as it heads for the Canary Islands. The ship is expected to arrive at Tenerife, where health officials will conduct careful evacuations. The U.S. and U.K. governments are arranging flights to repatriate their citizens. At least three passengers have died, but the World Health Organization (WHO) considers the risk to the wider public as low. The virus, typically spread through rodent droppings, is not easily transmitted between people. 
