WHO flags possible human-to-human hantavirus spread on stranded cruise

WHO says there may have been rare human-to-human transmission of hantavirus aboard the stranded MV Hondius off Cape Verde, with three deaths linked to the outbreak; the ship will undergo a full epidemiologic investigation and disinfection in the Canary Islands, while remaining passengers and crew are evacuated to the Netherlands and South Africa for care, with repatriation coordinated by Spain and the EU. The Andes strain is typically rodent-borne, but authorities warn it can spread between close contacts; no pandemic threat is expected. Approximately 87 passengers and 61 crew remain on board, and a possible quarantine could last up to eight weeks given hantavirus’ incubation period.