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Multinational evacuation of cruise ship passengers following hantavirus outbreak

As of May 11, 2026, a multinational evacuation of passengers is underway from the MV Hondius cruise ship, currently docked near Tenerife, following a deadly outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus. The World Health Organization confirmed eight total cases among passengers, including six laboratory-confirmed infections and three deaths involving a Dutch couple and a German national. Various nations, including Australia, the United States, France, Spain, and Greece, have coordinated repatriation flights to bring their citizens home under strict quarantine protocols. A 70-year-old Greek passenger was flown to Athens via a military C-27 aircraft and placed in a 45-day quarantine in a negative-pressure hospital room. U.S. health officials confirmed that among 17 repatriated Americans, one passenger tested positive for the virus via PCR, while another exhibits mild symptoms. While quarantine durations vary by nation, the WHO has recommended a 42-day isolation period for all passengers from the vessel to prevent further transmission. Australian authorities are evacuating four citizens, a permanent resident, and one New Zealander via a government-supported flight.

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