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Hantavirus Scare: Cruise Ship Docked Amid Health Fears
6 May
Summary
- WHO confirms low global hantavirus risk, medium on cruise ship.
- Officials suspect a Dutch couple contracted virus in Ushuaia.
- Cruise ship allowed to dock in Tenerife despite health concerns.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the risk of hantavirus spreading globally is low, but it is considered medium onboard a cruise ship. The situation is described as time-sensitive and multi-country.
Two Argentinian officials hypothesize that a Dutch couple may have contracted the virus while visiting Ushuaia, possibly through exposure to rodents at a landfill site. Three passengers have been evacuated and are being transported to the Netherlands for medical care.
The cruise ship, scheduled to travel to the Canary Islands, received permission to dock in Tenerife. However, this decision caused controversy with the president of the Canary Islands, who voiced concerns. The tour operator is in ongoing discussions regarding arrival, screening, and quarantine procedures.