By Ginika Igboke
The Spanish Health Ministry announced on May 5 that it will receive the MV Hondius, a Dutch-flagged cruise ship at the center of a suspected hantavirus outbreak. The vessel has been stationed off the coast of Cape Verde in West Africa after multiple passengers fell ill.
According to the World Health Organization, seven individuals have been infected, with three fatalities reported so far.
Evacuation and Medical Screening Plans
Spanish authorities stated that health officials will determine which passengers require urgent evacuation from Cape Verde. Those not in critical condition will be transported to the Canary Islands, where comprehensive medical screenings will be conducted.
The ship is expected to reach the Canary Islands within three to four days, though the exact port—either Gran Canaria or Tenerife—has not yet been finalized.
Upon arrival, passengers and crew will be examined, treated, and later transferred back to their home countries. Authorities emphasized that all operations will take place under strict health protocols, using designated facilities and transportation to prevent contact with the local population and protect healthcare workers.
Emergency Medical Transfers Underway
Cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed that evacuation plans are underway for two critically ill passengers, along with another individual linked to a German national who died onboard on May 2.
These evacuations will involve specialized aircraft traveling to Cape Verde, with patients ultimately transferred to the Netherlands. Additionally, Spain has agreed to evacuate a doctor in serious condition from the ship to the Canary Islands using a hospital aircraft.
Following these evacuations, the ship is expected to proceed to the Canary Islands.
Rising Concerns Over Transmission
Health officials are investigating the possibility of human-to-human transmission onboard the vessel, which carried 149 passengers and crew members from 23 countries.
Three deaths have been recorded so far, including a Dutch couple and a German passenger. One British passenger who tested positive for the virus was previously evacuated to South Africa and remains in critical but stable condition.
The outbreak’s timeline began with the death of a 70-year-old man on April 11. His wife later died in South Africa after testing positive for the virus. A third fatality occurred on May 2, though the exact cause is still under investigation.
Understanding Hantavirus
Hantavirus is a severe viral disease typically transmitted through contact with infected rodents, particularly via their urine, feces, or saliva. It carries a high mortality rate—ranging from 30 to 50 percent—making it one of the more dangerous infectious diseases.
While human-to-human transmission is uncommon, rare cases have been documented, raising concerns in confined environments such as ships.
Spain Steps In Amid Capacity Concerns
Spanish officials noted that the Canary Islands were the nearest location capable of safely receiving the ship and managing the situation. Cape Verde was deemed unable to handle the medical and logistical demands of the outbreak response.
Spain also cited both humanitarian and legal obligations in agreeing to assist, especially given that several Spanish nationals are among those onboard.
As the situation develops, global health authorities continue to monitor the outbreak closely, with further updates expected once the ship reaches the Canary Islands.
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