EU Health Agency Flags All Cruise Passengers as High-Risk After Hantavirus Outbreak

All passengers on the cruise ship affected by a deadly hantavirus outbreak are being treated as high-risk contacts as a precaution, Europe’s public health agency said. The MV Hondius is expected to dock on Sunday off the Spanish island of Tenerife.

Passengers without symptoms will be repatriated for ​self-quarantine via specially arranged transport, not regular commercial ​flights, by their respective countries, the European Centre ⁠for Disease Prevention and Control said on Saturday ​as part of its rapid scientific advice. Countries are preparing to evacuate their citizens from the ship around 6:30–7:00 GMT.

So far, eight people on the cruise have fallen ill, including three deaths—a Dutch couple and a German national—according to the World Health Organization. Six of the eight cases have been confirmed to have hantavirus, while two others are suspected cases.

The ECDC noted that although passengers will be considered high-risk upon leaving the ship, not all may be classified as high-risk once they return home. Symptomatic person along for the ride will be listed for medical assessment and testing on arrival. As determined by their condition, they may either isolate in Tenerife or be medically evacuated to their home countries.

Hantavirus is usually spread by rodents, but in rare cases it can be passed from person to person. Health authorities say the risk of further spread is low.