Canary Islands prepare for arrival of cruise ship carrying suspected hantavirus patients

Spanish Authorities Prepare for Evacuation of Cruise Ship Passengers Affected by Hantavirus Outbreak

A cruise ship carrying 140 passengers and crew is expected to arrive at the Spanish island of Tenerife on Sunday morning, where they will be evacuated after weeks stranded at sea. The Dutch-flagged MV Hondius vessel has been affected by a hantavirus outbreak, resulting in at least eight people falling ill. According to Spanish authorities, the passengers will be taken to a “completely isolated” area for their evacuation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is also involved in the response, with its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus scheduled to assist in coordinating the evacuation. The WHO has stated that the risk of transmission to the wider public is considered low.

Three people have died since the outbreak, and five passengers who disembarked the ship are known to be infected with hantavirus. However, cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions has reported that there were no people with symptoms of a possible infection on board the ship at the time of the outbreak.

Passengers will be transported from the ship to buses in small boats, followed by isolated and guarded vehicles through parts of the airport. Health authorities are tracking down and monitoring passengers who disembarked the ship before the outbreak was detected, as well as those who may have come into contact with them.

Some Spanish residents have expressed concern about the potential health risks associated with the passengers’ arrival on the island. An anti-establishment group has called for the MV Hondius to be barred from reaching Spanish shores, citing concerns over transparency and responsibility. However, others have expressed hope that measures will be taken to minimize any potential risks.

The evacuation is expected to take place in a controlled environment, with officials taking precautions to ensure public safety. The passengers’ arrival on the island has been anticipated for several days, with some residents expressing worry about their reception upon arrival.

Source: Al Jazeera