The evacuation of the MV Hondius cruise ship, which has been affected by a hantavirus outbreak, began on Sunday in Spain's Canary Islands. Three passengers, including a Dutch couple and a German woman, have died from the disease, which is typically spread by rodents. Health officials have noted that the risk to global public health is low, downplaying comparisons to the COVID-19 pandemic. The evacuation involves nearly 150 passengers and crew, with the first flight carrying 14 Spaniards heading to a military hospital in Madrid for quarantine. Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia confirmed that all passengers are asymptomatic and underwent medical assessments before disembarking. The operation is time-sensitive, as adverse weather is expected to impact the ship's ability to remain anchored. The World Health Organization has confirmed six cases of the Andes virus, the only hantavirus type transmissible between humans, raising international concern. Authorities in various countries are monitoring individuals who may have come into contact with the infected passengers.