European health authorities continue to monitor developments surrounding the outbreak of Hantavirus aboard the cruise ship Hondius after large-scale evacuation operations involving passengers and crew members from multiple countries.
Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia confirmed that 94 people were evacuated from the vessel on Sunday using eight private aircraft departing from the Canary Islands as part of precautionary measures aimed at limiting any potential spread of the virus.
Authorities also announced additional evacuation arrangements involving aircraft arriving from the Netherlands and Australia to transport more affected passengers while health monitoring efforts continue.
The emergency response follows reports issued last week by the World Health Organization regarding confirmed and suspected Hantavirus cases linked to the ship, including the deaths of two elderly Dutch passengers and a German woman.
Hantavirus is considered a rare but potentially serious viral infection that can cause severe respiratory illness and high fever. The virus is commonly transmitted through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
Before evacuation procedures began, medical teams conducted epidemiological screenings aboard the ship, with officials stating that no symptoms were initially detected among most passengers and crew members.
However, Spanish authorities later revealed that a French passenger developed symptoms after evacuation, prompting French health officials to activate their national health protocols.
Meanwhile, around 34 individuals, most of them crew members, are expected to remain onboard as the ship continues its journey toward Rotterdam, where the vessel will undergo full disinfection procedures upon arrival.
International health authorities remain on alert as investigators continue tracing possible contacts after several passengers and crew members disembarked at different ports during the voyage.
