Spain agrees to receive cruise ship after reported hantavirus outbreak
The vessel was off Cape Verde with 147 people aboard and was expected to reach the Canary Islands within four days.
Spain has agreed to accept a cruise ship experiencing a reported hantavirus outbreak following a request from the World Health Organization and coordination with the European Union.
The vessel was reported to be moored off Cape Verde and expected to arrive in the Canary Islands in three to four days. A specific Spanish port had not yet been selected.
According to the WHO figures cited in the report, seven of the 147 people aboard had confirmed infections. Three had died, while one patient was in critical condition.
Before the ship reaches Spain, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control was expected to assess the situation and determine who required emergency evacuation from Cape Verde. The remaining passengers would continue to the Canary Islands.
Authorities said everyone aboard would undergo a medical examination, receive necessary care upon arrival and then be repatriated. Spain also approved a separate Dutch request to transport a seriously ill doctor to the Canary Islands on a special medical flight.