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Spain flies passengers home from hantavirus-hit ship

David Levitz
May 10, 2026

Nearly four weeks after a deadly hantavirus outbreak on a luxury cruise ship, an international evacuation operation is under way. Authorities from 23 countries are coordinating the evacuation as health agencies enforce strict precautions.

https://p.dw.com/p/5DYAY

The first of the remaining 140 passengers and crew from the cruise ship MV Hondius are now being brought ashore.

As of May 8, the World Health Organization said eight cases of hantavirus have been reported — six confirmed and two probable — including three deaths. The ship, which set sail from Argentina on April 1, is carrying nearly 150 people from more than 20 countries.

What is the current risk? 

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