Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship MV Hondius Sparks International Health Response
An outbreak of hantavirus has been identified among passengers and crew of the cruise ship MV Hondius, with five confirmed infections reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The virus, typically associated with rodents, may have been transmitted human-to-human aboard the vessel. Since April 11, three individuals have died, and several others are ill. The outbreak was first reported to WHO on May 2, and Spanish authorities are set to conduct a full epidemiological investigation and disinfect the ship upon its arrival in Tenerife, Canary Islands.