WHO and EU Request Diversion of Hondius Vessel During Outbreak
Spain repatriates passengers from Dutch-flagged Hondius via flights from Australia and Netherlands after deadly hantavirus outbreak. Authorities diverted Hondius to Canary Islands from Cape Verde on May 3 at WHO and EU request. WHO reported three deaths and six cases; one American tested positive for Andes strain, another showed mild symptoms. Passengers face testing and quarantine; WHO director recommends 42-day isolation; 30 crew remain for Netherlands disinfection. Health officials note virus is less contagious than COVID-19; CDC director says it's not COVID