Hantavirus Outbreak Forces Evacuations from Cruise Ship Bound for Canary Islands
A cruise ship carrying nearly 150 passengers is en route to the Canary Islands after three individuals were evacuated due to hantavirus concerns, including two confirmed cases.
A cruise ship departing from Cape Verde is currently heading to the Canary Islands after three individuals were evacuated due to concerns over hantavirus. Among those evacuated, two patients have confirmed cases of the virus, while one individual is suspected of being infected.
The ship is carrying approximately 150 passengers and crew members, and Spanish authorities are preparing to receive them upon arrival. The situation is being closely monitored by the U.N. health agency.
As the cruise ship approaches its destination, health officials are likely to implement necessary protocols to ensure the safety of all individuals on board and those in the vicinity.
Updates
Update at 10:47 UTC on 2026-05-08
NPR News reported Spanish authorities are preparing to receive more than 140 passengers and crew members on board a hantavirus-stricken cruise ship headed for the Canary Islands. AP News reported Spain readies for evacuations as a hantavirus-hit cruise ship heads for the Canary Islands AP News.
Sources: NPR News, AP News