3 passengers evacuated from cruise ship after Andes virus outbreak confirmed in Switzerland

WELLINGTON: Three passengers were evacuated from a cruise ship after being suspected of infection following an Andes virus outbreak that was confirmed in Switzerland, health authorities said on Wednesday.

The affected passengers were airlifted to the Netherlands for urgent medical treatment, while the cruise ship remains stranded off the coast of Cape Verde. Nearly 150 passengers are still on board, awaiting permission to continue their journey to Spain’s Canary Islands.

The outbreak has raised concern among health officials, as the Andes virus is a rare but dangerous strain of hantavirus. It is the most common cause of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in South America and is mainly transmitted through the long-tailed pygmy rice rat. Humans can become infected through contact with contaminated droppings, urine, or saliva.

Experts say the virus can remain symptom-free in its natural host but may cause severe respiratory illness in humans.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working to prevent further spread while ensuring the safe evacuation and care of affected passengers.