A rare hantavirus outbreak at sea — what we know.
The MV Hondius is sailing from Cape Verde to the Canary Islands with an outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus on board. Three people have died. Here is a clear, calm explainer of what's happening and what the virus actually is.
Latest updates
A condensed view of today's developments.
- Latest
MV Hondius departs Cape Verde for the Canary Islands
The Spanish government says the ship will dock in Tenerife. The islands' president opposes the plan but ministers insist there is no risk to residents.
- Today
Three patients evacuated by air ambulance
British, Dutch and German nationals were flown off the ship. One plane landed in Amsterdam; a second was diverted to Gran Canaria after an electrical fault.
- Earlier
Two Britons self-isolating at home
Two people who left the ship at St Helena and flew home via Johannesburg are now self-isolating. Neither has symptoms; UKHSA is tracing their contacts.
- Background
Outbreak traced to expedition that began in Argentina
The MV Hondius departed Argentina on 1 April. Argentine officials are investigating whether a Dutch couple may have been exposed on a bird-watching trip before boarding.
World Health Organization
"The risk to the wider public is low. This virus rarely spreads between people, and only after close contact."