The MV Hondius is currently a focus of concern as it makes its journey from Cape Verde to the Canary Islands. The Dutch-flagged cruise ship, which left Cape Verde on Wednesday, is set to arrive in Tenerife on Saturday. Passengers will remain aboard until their repatriation begins, scheduled for Monday, as confirmed by Spain’s Interior Ministry.
Health Measures on Arrival
Health Minister Mónica García Gómez addressed the media in Madrid, detailing that a coordinated health assessment and evacuation protocol will be established upon the ship’s arrival in Granadilla, Tenerife. Passengers will be repatriated unless their health condition prevents travel.
Passenger and Crew Composition
The vessel carries 88 passengers and 59 crew members from 23 different nationalities. The cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, has stationed three additional healthcare professionals on board to provide medical support during the journey.
Response to Hantavirus Cases
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), three individuals have been evacuated from the ship: two crew members showing symptoms and one person who had contact with a confirmed case. Ann Lindstrand, a WHO representative in Cape Verde, reported that all three are stable, with one being asymptomatic.
- The first medical evacuation flight arrived in Amsterdam on Wednesday evening.
- Patients are being prepared for treatment at Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands.
- The second medical flight landed in Gran Canaria, where a patient faced a technical issue that required an aircraft change.
Understanding Hantavirus
Hantavirus is transmitted through contact with infected rodent urine, saliva, or droppings, resulting in a severe respiratory condition known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).
Currently, no significant global threat exists, according to WHO director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Nonetheless, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has urged caution due to ongoing uncertainties surrounding the outbreak.
Details of the Outbreak
Reports confirm that the hantavirus strain found on the MV Hondius is the Andes strain, which can be transmitted between humans. This strain was also identified in a passenger evacuated to South Africa. Tragically, three people linked to this cruise have died since the voyage began.
Travel Itinerary and Possible Origins
The MV Hondius traveled from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde, stopping at Saint Helena between April 22 and 24. Authorities speculate that initial cases may have been infected prior to boarding the vessel, contributing to human-to-human transmission.
- Countries within the EU will assist in the repatriation of their citizens.
- Non-EU passenger evacuations are still in the planning stages.
The ongoing developments around the MV Hondius underscore the importance of rigorous health assessments and responsive measures to safeguard public health.
