Arabic version: سفينة سياحية بها حالات فيروس هانتا تتجه إلى جزر الكناري
According to BBC News,
A Dutch cruise ship with a hantavirus outbreak on board is to sail to the Canary Islands, as confirmed by Spain’s health ministry. Officials are currently assessing which passengers need urgent evacuation from Cape Verde, where the ship was docked. The remaining passengers are expected to reach the Canary Islands in three to four days, although the specific port of arrival has not yet been determined. Cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions indicated that the ship may dock at either Gran Canaria or Tenerife.
Tragically, three passengers aboard the MV Hondius have died after it set sail from Argentina approximately a month ago. Additionally, two crew members, including the ship’s doctor, require urgent medical care and are waiting to be medically evacuated. A third person linked to a German national who died is also due to be evacuated.
The health ministry stated that the doctor, who is in serious condition, is expected to be evacuated to the Canary Islands on Tuesday via a hospital aircraft. The World Health Organization (WHO) has explained that Cape Verde cannot carry out this operation, making the Canary Islands the closest viable option. Spain has expressed a moral and legal obligation to assist the affected individuals, many of whom are Spanish citizens.
Upon arriving at the Canary Islands, both crew and passengers would be examined and given whatever care was needed before they can begin their journeys home. To ensure safety, all interactions with those from the MV Hondius will occur in “special spaces and transports specifically set up for this situation,” minimizing contact with the local population.
The WHO has reported a total of seven hantavirus cases linked to the outbreak, including two confirmed cases: a Dutch woman who is among those who died and a 69-year-old UK national who was evacuated to South Africa for medical treatment. The remaining passengers, numbering 149 from 23 different countries, are currently under strict precautionary measures aboard the ship, which also includes 22 British nationals, alongside a British crew member.
