Hantavirus-Hit Cruise Ship Departs for Spain as Three Evacuated Amid Outbreak
A luxury cruise ship, the MV Hondius, has departed for Spain after being stranded off the coast of Cape Verde since Sunday due to a hantavirus outbreak. The ship, which carries nearly 150 people, left on Wednesday following the evacuation of three individuals, two of whom are seriously ill. This development raises concerns about the spread of the virus, which has already resulted in three fatalities.
Current Situation on the MV Hondius
The MV Hondius is expected to dock in Tenerife, Canary Islands, within three days. Spain’s Health Minister, Monica Garcia, confirmed that passengers remaining on board are not exhibiting symptoms of the disease. Upon arrival in Tenerife, non-Spanish citizens will be repatriated to their respective countries, while 14 Spanish passengers will be quarantined at a military hospital in Madrid. The duration of their quarantine will depend on their potential exposure to the virus, which has a 45-day incubation period.
Details of the Outbreak
The outbreak has claimed the lives of three individuals, including a Dutch couple and a German national. Eight others are suspected of contracting the virus, with three cases confirmed through laboratory testing, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Among the suspected cases is a Swiss citizen who has returned to Zurich for treatment.
The Andean strain of hantavirus, which can occasionally spread between humans through close contact, has been identified among the victims. South Africa’s health ministry noted that this strain is known for its rare human-to-human transmission, which typically occurs only in situations of very close contact.
Local Concerns and Reactions
Residents of Tenerife have expressed apprehension about the ship’s arrival. Margarita Maria, a local resident, stated that “people are scared” and suggested that the vessel should dock elsewhere in Spain. The WHO’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, confirmed that the three evacuated individuals were en route to the Netherlands for specialized medical care.
The Dutch Foreign Ministry reported that the evacuees include a Dutch national, a German citizen, and a Briton. Their transport to specialized hospitals in Europe was complicated when an aircraft scheduled to refuel in Morocco was denied landing rights, forcing it to refuel in Gran Canaria instead.
Medical Developments and Precautions
While in Gran Canaria, a doctor aboard the ship reported issues with a patient’s life support system, necessitating a connection to the airport’s electrical supply until a new aircraft arrives. Two of the evacuated individuals presented acute symptoms, while the third was closely linked to the German passenger who died on May 2 and is suspected of being infected.
The MV Hondius embarked on its journey from Argentina on April 1, visiting remote locations, including Saint Helena. Approximately 40 passengers disembarked at Saint Helena, which included the Swiss national who later developed symptoms.
Cape Verde was initially intended as the ship’s final destination; however, the country has barred passengers from disembarking due to the outbreak. The WHO has assessed the risk to the general public as low, emphasizing that hantavirus is primarily transmitted by rodents. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s Director of Epidemic and Pandemic Management, clarified that human-to-human transmission requires very close physical contact, contrasting it with more easily transmissible viruses like COVID-19 and influenza.
Follow-Up and Passenger Morale
The WHO is collaborating with various countries to track passengers who disembarked at Saint Helena prior to the outbreak. South Africa has identified 65 individuals who may have come into contact with confirmed or suspected hantavirus cases, while other nations have identified 12 potential contacts.
Passenger Kasem Hato reported that the ship’s captain has been keeping everyone informed and that passengers have been advised to limit close contact and use hand sanitizer regularly. Hato noted that while the situation is serious, there is no panic among passengers. They are maintaining a semblance of normalcy by engaging in activities such as reading and watching movies while waiting for authorities to resolve the situation.
For further information, visit the source: www.arnnewscentre.ae.
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Published on 2026-05-06 06:46:00 • By the Editorial Desk
