A cruise ship carrying close to 150 people is heading to Spain's Canary Islands following a suspected hantavirus outbreak that has killed at least three passengers and prompted medical evacuations.

Three people, including two crew members, were medically evacuated from the MV Hondius to the Netherlands after developing symptoms consistent with hantavirus infection. Spanish authorities have granted permission for the ship to dock at the Canary Islands after the evacuations were completed.

Hantavirus is a rare but serious disease typically spread through contact with infected rodents and their urine, droppings, or saliva. The virus can cause flu-like symptoms initially but has a high mortality rate, with some strains proving fatal in a significant percentage of cases.

Once the ship reaches the Canary Islands, Spanish health officials will work with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organization to examine and treat remaining crew and passengers before repatriating them to their home countries.

The Canary Islands government has reportedly opposed the docking plan and requested a meeting with Spain's prime minister to discuss the situation. The ship is expected to complete its three-day journey to the islands in the coming days.

Health authorities are investigating the source of the outbreak and monitoring all individuals aboard the vessel for symptoms as the situation continues to develop.