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Spain to Receive Hantavirus-Linked Cruise Ship in Canary Islands Amid Health Protocol

Spain will receive the hantavirus-linked MV Hondius cruise ship in the Canary Islands after a request from WHO and the EU. The vessel is currently near Cape Verde, where hantavirus infections were detected during its voyage. Passengers and crew will undergo medical examinations and be kept isolated from the local population upon arrival. Two crew members suspected of having hantavirus will be evacuated to the Netherlands.

Key Points: Spain Accepts Hantavirus Cruise Ship in Canary Islands

  • Spain accepts hantavirus-linked cruise ship MV Hondius in Canary Islands
  • WHO and EU coordinated request for humanitarian aid
  • Cape Verde lacks capacity for evacuation
  • Passengers and crew will be isolated and medically examined
2 min read

Spain says will receive hantavirus-linked cruise ship in Canary Islands

Spain will receive the hantavirus-linked MV Hondius in Canary Islands after WHO and EU request. Passengers will undergo medical checks and isolation.

"Spain will receive the hantavirus-linked vessel MV Hondius in the Canary Islands in accordance with international law and the spirit of humanitarianism - Spanish Health Ministry"

Madrid, May 6

Spain will receive the hantavirus-linked vessel MV Hondius in the Canary Islands in accordance with international law and the spirit of humanitarianism, the Spanish Health Ministry said in a statement on social media.

According to the statement posted on Tuesday (local time), the World Health Organization (WHO), in coordination with the European Union, has requested the Spanish government to receive the vessel currently located near Cape Verde, where hantavirus infection cases were detected during its voyage.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the situation on board to determine which individuals require urgent evacuation in Cape Verde. The remaining passengers and crew will continue to the Canary Islands, with arrival expected within three to four days. The specific port of call has not yet been decided, reports Xinhua news agency.

Upon arrival, passengers and crew will undergo medical examinations and be managed through specially arranged facilities and transport systems for handling and transfer. The process will be carried out in a way that avoids contact with the local population. These measures will be implemented in accordance with unified case and contact management protocols developed by the WHO and ECDC, ensuring necessary safety guarantees.

The Spanish government said further details will be announced once the WHO and ECDC finalise the operational plan, and updates will be provided as implementation progresses.

Dutch cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed late Tuesday that two crew members of MV Hondius suspected of having hantavirus and another individual associated with the guest who passed away on Saturday will be evacuated to the Netherlands, though no specific timeline has been provided.

The Spanish statement explained that Cape Verde lacks the capacity to carry out the operation, making the Canary Islands the nearest suitable location. As part of the operation, the Spanish government has also accepted a request from the Dutch government to receive a seriously ill doctor from the vessel, who will be transported to the Canary Islands by medical aircraft.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

K
Kavya N
Hantavirus is serious, but I'm worried about the lack of clear quarantine plans. Spain says they'll avoid contact with locals, but what about the airport workers, taxi drivers, and hospital staff who will handle these patients? In India, we learnt this the hard way during COVID - proper protocols need to be shared publicly to ensure everyone is safe. Hope the WHO and ECDC release detailed plans soon.
R
Rohit P
It's good that the doctor is being evacuated by medical aircraft. But I'm wondering - why can't Cape Verde handle even basic evacuation? They're a country too. India has helped many smaller nations during health emergencies, but we also ensure they build their own capacity. Hope this incident leads to better health infrastructure in Cape Verde as well.
J
James A
As someone who follows maritime news, I'm amazed this is playing out so diplomatically. The Dutch operator, WHO, EU, Spain - all coordinating well. Reminds me of how India handled the repatriation flights during the pandemic. Global health requires global solutions. Let's hope the hantavirus doesn't spread further.
S
Sneha F
This is a tricky situation. On one hand, humanitarian duty says help the sick. On the other, Spain's citizens have a right to feel safe. In India, we often face similar dilemmas with migrant workers or international visitors during outbreaks. The key is transparent communication. Spain should keep its people informed about every step. Let's see how this unfolds.

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