A cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak has departed the Canary Islands after completing passenger evacuations. The vessel is now sailing toward the Netherlands with a reduced crew on board.
The final group of evacuees left the ship while it was docked in the Canary Islands. Officials confirmed the ship is now en route to Rotterdam, where it will undergo a full disinfection process.
Hantavirus is a rare but serious rodent-borne disease. It can cause severe respiratory issues in humans and has a significant mortality rate.
Health authorities have not disclosed the exact number of cases linked to this outbreak. The cruise line has not yet commented on the incident.
The decision to move the ship to Rotterdam allows for a controlled cleaning operation. Port officials in the Netherlands are preparing to receive the vessel and coordinate the disinfection.
Passengers who left the ship have been advised to monitor their health. Local medical teams remain on standby for any emerging symptoms.
The cruise industry faces renewed scrutiny over disease prevention measures. This incident highlights the challenges of managing infectious diseases at sea.
