Spain to receive Hantavirus-affected Cruise Ship in Canary Islands; WHO says risk of spread remains low

Madrid, May 6 -- Spain has granted permission to MV Hondius cruise ship, affected by a hantavirus outbreak, to dock in the Canary Islands, the Spanish Health Ministry announced on Wednesday.

"The World Health Organization, in coordination with the European Union, has requested that the Spanish government receive the vessel MV Hondius in the Canary Islands," the ministry said in a statement.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also confirmed seven cases of infection on board the ship, including three deaths. One patient is currently in intensive care in South Africa, according to WHO statement.

Hantaviruses can cause serious illnesses in humans, such as hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome. The...