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WHO flags possible human-to-human hantavirus; Spain to receive ship

scienceMay 6, 202625709

The World Health Organization flagged possible human-to-human transmission of hantavirus on the cruise ship MV Hondius, which is anchored off Cape Verde after authorities linked seven cases and three deaths to the vessel. Spain agreed to receive the luxury ship in the Canary Islands so sick passengers can be evacuated and treated, and the Netherlands has arranged a dedicated flight to repatriate some travelers. Health officials suspect the Andes virus, which can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome with fatality rates up to 50% and is the only hantavirus with evidence of human-to-human transmission, creating urgent infection control concerns for crew and close contacts.

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