Spain has agreed to accept a cruise ship with a hantavirus outbreak on board. The decision was made at the request of the World Health Organization, in coordination with the European Union, MIR24 reports.

The ship is currently moored off the coast of Cape Verde. Its arrival in the Canary Islands is expected in three to four days; a specific port of call has not yet been determined.

There are 147 people on board. According to the WHO, seven of them have been confirmed infected: three have died, and one patient is in critical condition.

Before the ship arrives in a Spanish port, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will conduct a situation assessment. Based on this assessment, it will determine who requires emergency evacuation from Cape Verde; the remaining passengers will continue on to the Canary Islands. Upon arrival, all on board will undergo a medical examination, receive the necessary care, and be repatriated.

Spain also granted a separate request from the Netherlands: a doctor from the plane, whose condition is considered serious, will be transported to the Canary Islands on a special medical flight.

Hantavirus is transmitted to humans from rodents, through direct contact with the animals or their bodily secretions.