A cruise ship carrying passengers who were exposed to hantavirus has plotted a course for Spain’s Canary Islands after an outbreak killed three people on board, according to health officials and reports from the vessel’s route data.

The ship, which had been sailing with a large number of passengers and crew, is now heading towards the Atlantic archipelago as authorities monitor the situation. The outbreak has raised concern because hantavirus can cause severe illness in people who inhale particles from infected rodent droppings, urine or saliva.

Three passengers died after falling ill during the voyage, while others were treated or isolated, prompting scrutiny of the ship’s health protocols and the next steps for those still on board. The case has drawn attention from public health officials and the wider cruise industry as the ship continues its journey.

The incident has unfolded against a backdrop of increased scrutiny of illness outbreaks at sea, where enclosed spaces and shared facilities can accelerate the spread of infectious diseases. Hantavirus is not usually spread from person to person, but it can be fatal in severe cases and requires rapid medical response when symptoms appear.

Officials have not released full details of how the passengers were infected or the exact number of people under observation, but the deaths have made the voyage one of the most serious health incidents reported on a cruise ship this year. Cruise operators typically coordinate with port authorities and medical teams when outbreaks occur, particularly when a vessel is due to call at major destinations.

The Canary Islands, a major cruise destination in the Atlantic, are expected to see close coordination between local health authorities and the ship’s operator as the vessel approaches. Any decision on whether passengers can disembark, receive treatment, or continue travelling would depend on medical assessments and port clearance procedures.

Hantavirus outbreaks on ships are rare, but the virus is closely associated with environments where rodents are present. Public health experts say the risk to the wider public is usually low unless there has been direct exposure to contaminated material, though any confirmed deaths on board are likely to trigger a formal investigation.

The cruise industry’s reputation depends heavily on visible health and safety measures, and this outbreak is likely to renew debate about sanitation, emergency response and onboard disease control. For passengers, the immediate focus is on medical support, contact tracing and decisions about the ship’s next port of call.