Three individuals have been medically evacuated from the cruise ship MV Hondius due to a confirmed outbreak of the deadly hantavirus, with the vessel now en route to Spain's Canary Islands. Two of the evacuated passengers, suffering from serious symptoms, arrived in the Netherlands for treatment. A third, a British national, was also taken from the ship for medical care. Spain has ultimately permitted the ship to dock in the Canary Islands, where an epidemiological investigation and disinfection are planned, despite some local opposition.
The virus, identified as the Andes strain of hantavirus, has been confirmed in passengers by South African and Swiss health authorities. This strain is known for its human-to-human transmissibility, raising concerns for those on board and those who may have had contact with the affected individuals. Health officials state that passengers and crew remaining on the MV Hondius are currently asymptomatic.
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Evacuations and Confirmed Cases
The evacuations occurred as the ship, carrying nearly 150 people, was off the coast of Cape Verde. The individuals evacuated were from Britain, the Netherlands, and Germany.
A Dutch woman died in South Africa on April 26, though her husband's death on board on April 11 is not a confirmed hantavirus case.
A German national died on board on May 2, presenting with pneumonia.
A British man, initially identified by some reports as a doctor but later clarified as an expedition guide, was also evacuated.
Health Advisories and Risk Assessment
The UK Health Security Agency has advised British citizens who left the ship earlier in its journey to self-isolate, though they are currently asymptomatic. The agency assesses the overall public health risk as low. Passengers and crew who remain on board are also reportedly without symptoms.
Ship's Trajectory and Destination
The MV Hondius departed from Cape Verde and is expected to reach the Canary Islands within approximately three days. The ship had previously been denied docking in Cape Verde. Officials are working to trace the contacts of those affected.
Background
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses spread primarily by rodents. While most strains are transmitted through inhalation of airborne virus particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, the Andes strain is notable for its capacity for human-to-human transmission. Outbreaks on ships are reportedly unprecedented. Investigations are ongoing into whether the illness may have been contracted before boarding the ship, with Argentine officials reportedly looking into a pre-cruise bird-watching trip by a Dutch couple.
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