Hantavirus-Hit Cruise Ship Reaches Canary Islands as Three More Are Evacuated

The Bahamas-flagged cruise vessel docked at Las Palmas. Spain's Health Ministry said three passengers were airlifted to reference hospitals on the islands, while other passengers, most of them elderly, will remain on the ship under medical observation.

The findings suggest that at least two cabin crew members, in addition to three earlier reported cases, may also have been exposed to the virus. The World Health Organization said the possibility of person-to-person transmission on board was being taken seriously.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control recommended additional hygiene and ventilation protocols for cruises in the Mediterranean basin. The cruise operator said its summer schedule would proceed as planned.