The cruise ship MV Hondius, where an outbreak of the dangerous Andes hantavirus occurred, is heading to the Canary Islands. Three deaths and several illnesses have already been reported.
Three people have died, and several others have fallen ill. The "hantavirus" ship, with one hundred and fifty people on board, is currently heading to the Canary Islands. What is happening on the cruise vessel?
The cruise liner MV Hondius, flying the Dutch flag, where an outbreak of hantavirus occurred and three people died, is now heading to a Spanish port on the island of Tenerife. The head of the WHO stated that the threat to public health after the hantavirus outbreak remains low and emphasized that he does not consider the situation similar to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourists and the Virus
There were about 149 people on board the MV Hondius — 88 passengers and 59 crew members from 23 nationalities. After the deaths of a married couple from the Netherlands and another German citizen from the virus, several people became ill. One passenger is in intensive care in South Africa.
Three others, one of whom is the ship's doctor, were evacuated from the ship the day before and sent to the Netherlands for treatment. One of the infected, who returned home to Switzerland and went to a doctor, has confirmed hantavirus. The wife of this patient is currently asymptomatic but has gone into quarantine. Swiss authorities have begun an investigation into the contacts of the infected individual.
It turned out that the tourists were infected with the most dangerous strain of hantavirus — Andes, which causes severe pulmonary syndrome. This type is considered particularly dangerous: it has a 40-50% fatality rate. It can be transmitted from person to person with very close contact.
The vessel is expected to arrive in the Canary Islands in the coming days. There, passengers will undergo a complete medical examination before returning to their home countries. Spanish authorities are already preparing special places where people will be sent for quarantine.
"We are Isolated, but Trying to Stay Calm"
According to information obtained by CNN from people on board, the crew of the MV Hondius is conducting a thorough disinfection of all areas, and passengers have been instructed to strictly adhere to hygiene measures — wearing masks, using hand sanitizer, and not leaving their cabins.
As traveler and blogger Kassem Elhato reports, most passengers are maintaining their composure, and there is no panic on board.
"Our days are going almost normally. We are trying to keep ourselves occupied with reading, watching movies, and drinking hot beverages. Food is being brought directly to the cabins. Going outside for fresh air is only allowed one person at a time — we take solitary walks on the deck. Gathering in common areas (lounges, bars, and restaurants) is strictly prohibited," he said.
Another passenger, Jake Rosmarin, posted a video from the ship on social media, clarifying that he feels well: "I continue to get fresh air, I am being well-fed and taken care of. The entire crew on board has handled this situation as well as possible, and I am very grateful for their efforts. There is still some uncertainty, but it is reassuring that there is a plan."
Source: social media of one of the tourists — Jake Rosmarin/jakerosmarin/
Source: social media of one of the tourists — Jake Rosmarin/jakerosmarin/
A tourist from the liner, wildlife photographer Alejandra Rendon, speaking about what happened, also states that the crew is "professionally managing this unforeseen situation."
People on board are preparing for several more days locked up in the open sea and hope that the evacuation from the ship will go smoothly.
Despite the alarming news and fatalities, specialists do not yet consider the situation a global threat, writes bb.lv. Strict sanitary measures are in place on board the liner, and passengers are trying to remain calm while awaiting arrival in Tenerife, where they will undergo medical examinations and quarantine.
