The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed a hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius, with eight confirmed or suspected cases linked to the vessel. The ship reached its destination, Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, early Sunday, and many passengers are being taken to isolation facilities when they arrive in their home countries. The WHO recommends that people be actively monitored for 42 days after their last exposure to a confirmed hantavirus case.
The outbreak has been linked to the Andes strain of the virus, which is found in South America, where the ship originated. This strain is connected to rodents living in the region and is not typically found in the United States. However, since the ship docked, one American passenger has tested positive for the virus, and another is showing symptoms.
