Passenger linked to hantavirus cruise flown to Amsterdam

A passenger linked to a cruise ship outbreak of hantavirus has been flown to Amsterdam for treatment.

A specially equipped air ambulance arrived at Schiphol Airport on Thursday evening after leaving Cape Verde.

Dutch doctors said they were preparing to receive the patient and had taken all necessary precautions to prevent any spread of the virus.

German authorities said another passenger, who had close contact with a confirmed case but showed no symptoms, would also be taken to hospital.

A second medical flight heading to the Netherlands was forced to land in the Canary Islands because of technical problems. Spanish officials said another aircraft would be sent to collect two patients on board.