European countries are sending planes to evacuate citizens from a Tenerife-bound cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak. Germany, France, Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands will send planes, while the EU will send two further planes for remaining European citizens. The US and UK have confirmed planes for non-EU citizens.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will meet Spain's Prime Minister to coordinate the evacuation. Local authorities warn that the evacuation must take place between Sunday midday and Monday afternoon due to stormy weather.
Eight people have fallen ill, including three who died, and six are confirmed to have contracted the virus. Hantavirus is usually spread by rodents but can be transmitted person-to-person in rare cases.
Passengers and 17 crew members will be evacuated, but 30 crew will stay on board and travel to the Netherlands. The ship will be fully disinfected on arrival, and luggage and the body of a deceased passenger will remain on board.
