Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Spain Quarantines Hantavirus Ship, Evacuates 149 Passengers

5/9/2026

31 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Spain anchored the hantavirus-infected MV Hondius offshore and evacuated all 149 passengers, avoiding local contact.
Health minister Mónica García said the WHO entrusted Spain with the operation.
She added that symptomatic non-Spanish passengers will be flown home with health workers.
Regional president Fernando Clavijo argued Spain had no legal duty to receive the ship and could have handled it in Cape Verde.

1 of 1

Story summary

Spain anchored the hantavirus-infected MV Hondius offshore and evacuated all 149 passengers, avoiding local contact.
Health minister Mónica García said the WHO entrusted Spain with the operation.
She added that symptomatic non-Spanish passengers will be flown home with health workers.
Regional president Fernando Clavijo argued Spain had no legal duty to receive the ship and could have handled it in Cape Verde.