Spain’s health ministry has revealed that a Dutch cruise ship battling a hantavirus outbreak will soon dock in the Canary Islands, possibly at Tenerife or Gran Canaria.
The MV Hondius, managed by Oceanwide Expeditions, set off from Ushuaia in Argentina roughly a month ago for a transatlantic journey, but the voyage has turned tragic with three passenger deaths reported.
Health officials have identified seven cases so far, including two confirmed infections and five suspected ones, according to the latest World Health Organization update. Two crew members, one the ship’s British doctor, require immediate medical attention and face evacuation by hospital aircraft to the Canary Islands on Tuesday. Another individual connected to a deceased German passenger will join them.
Docked in Cape Verde at present, the vessel holds 149 people from 23 nations, among them 22 British nationals and the stricken crew member. They remain under tight quarantine measures while authorities assess who else needs urgent removal.
Oceanwide Expeditions intends to proceed to “Gran Canaria or Tenerife” within three to four days, having noted that Cape Verde “cannot carry out this operation” per World Health Organization advice.
“The Canary Islands are the closest location with the necessary capabilities. Spain has a moral and legal obligation to assist these people, among whom are several Spanish citizens,” the operator stated.
Upon arrival, passengers and crew will undergo thorough examinations, receive any necessary care, and begin journeys home. All contact will happen in “special spaces and transports specifically set up for this situation” to shield locals and medical staff.
The virus typically passes from rodents via contaminated dust, but close quarters aboard may have enabled person-to-person spread among “really close contacts,” though experts rate the broader public threat as low.
Confirmed victims comprise a Dutch woman who perished and a 69-year-old Briton now in South Africa for treatment. The Dutch woman’s husband and the German who died on 2 May await confirmation.