Spain's government authorized the MV Hondius cruise ship to dock in Tenerife after a hantavirus outbreak that killed three people. Passenger evacuations will begin on May 11 and European Union countries will repatriate their citizens.
The MV Hondius cruise ship left Cabo Verde on Wednesday and is sailing toward the Canary Islands. Spain's government announced the vessel will reach Tenerife within three days.
Health Minister Mónica García confirmed a joint sanitary evaluation mechanism will start. All passengers will remain on board until their repatriation flights, unless their medical condition prevents it.
The World Health Organization verified five hantavirus cases, including the Andes strain. Three symptomatic passengers were evacuated to the Netherlands and Germany in ambulance planes.
The Granadilla de Abona city council requested sanitary guarantees and transparency before docking. Local authorities will coordinate with the Canary Islands government.
