Hantavirus-hit cruise ship to sail to Canary Islands, passengers to undergo medical screening

Spain has granted permission for the virus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius to sail to the Canary Islands, stepping in to manage a growing health emergency onboard. The decision follows Cape Verde’s announcement that it lacked the capacity to handle the situation.Authorities indicated the vessel is likely to dock at either Gran Canaria or Tenerife within the next few days, where passengers and crew will undergo medical screening under strict containment protocols.The crisis onboard involves an outbreak of Hantavirus, which has so far claimed three lives, including a Dutch couple and a German national.The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported seven cases — two confirmed and five suspected — among those who were on the ship during its voyage from Argentina. A British national who tested positive is currently receiving treatment in South Africa.Two crew members, including the ship’s doctor, are in urgent need of medical care and are being evacuated via hospital aircraft. Another individual with a suspected infection is also set to be transferred.Spanish authorities said all necessary precautions would be taken during evacuations and upon arrival to avoid any exposure to the public.Spain’s health ministry said that once in the Canary Islands, all individuals will be examined, treated if necessary, and then repatriated to their home countries in coordination with international health agencies.Health officials believe the outbreak may involve the Andes strain of hantavirus, which can spread through close human contact, although such transmission remains rare.The WHO suggested that infections likely spread among individuals in close quarters, such as shared cabins, while initial exposure may have occurred before boarding or during wildlife excursions. Around 149 passengers and crew from 23 countries remain onboard under strict isolation measures.Despite the severity of the situation onboard, officials have stressed that the risk to the wider public remains low. All interactions with passengers will take place in specially designated facilities and transport systems designed to prevent any contact with local residents.The voyage, marketed as an Antarctic expedition cruise, had covered remote destinations before the outbreak came to light.