MADRID, Spain — May 5, 2026
A cruise ship carrying nearly 150 people, which had been anchored off Cape Verde after departing from southern Argentina, has been granted permission to dock in Spain following concerns over Hantavirus cases on board.
Ship's Journey and Current Status
The vessel, identified as the Hondius, set sail from the southern region of Argentina and has been stationed near Cape Verde in recent days. Authorities confirmed that the ship remains under observation, though no additional cases of Hantavirus have been reported since its departure.
Spanish health officials, in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), conducted a risk assessment before approving the ship's entry. The decision was finalized after consultations with the Spanish Ministry of Health in Madrid, which emphasized that all necessary precautions had been taken to prevent further spread of the virus.