WHO Coordinates Evacuation of Hantavirus-Affected Cruise Ship in Tenerife
The World Health Organization (WHO) is overseeing the evacuation of passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship, which has been affected by a hantavirus outbreak. The ship, anchored near Tenerife, Spain, began disembarking passengers on Sunday. Spanish health officials boarded the vessel to conduct final checks and initiate the evacuation process. The first group of passengers, primarily Spanish nationals, is being transported to Madrid for quarantine and medical assessment. The evacuation will continue with passengers from various countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Greece, Turkey, France, Great Britain, and the United States. Thirty crew members will remain on board to sail the ship to the Netherlands for disinfection. The WHO reported that eight people have fallen ill, with three fatalities, including a Dutch couple and a German national. Six cases have been confirmed, with two additional suspected cases. 
