MV Hondius Heads Toward Tenerife After Hantavirus Outbreak Leaves 3 Dead and 3 Evacuated
The MV Hondius is expected to head toward Tenerife after three people were evacuated from the cruise ship during a deadly hantavirus outbreak linked to three deaths.
Reuters reported that the vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, was set to leave Cape Verde for Spain’s Canary Islands after the evacuations. Two of the three people removed from the ship were seriously ill. Oceanwide said they were flown by medical aircraft for specialized care and screening.
The outbreak has now produced eight confirmed or suspected cases, including three deaths, according to Reuters, citing WHO figures. The MV Hondius had nearly 150 people aboard, and Spain’s health minister said those still on the ship were not showing symptoms before the expected arrival in Tenerife.
The human stakes have grown through passenger videos from onboard. Boston.com reported that travel influencer Jake Rosmarin, who is aboard the ship, posted an emotional Instagram video saying passengers were “not just headlines” and wanted safety, clarity and a way home.
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Reuters also quoted passenger Kasem Hato saying people onboard were taking the situation seriously, using masks and social distancing, but were not panicking.
Health officials are still investigating how the outbreak began. Africa CDC said hantaviruses are usually spread through infected rodent urine, saliva or droppings, and that the cluster in a confined travel setting requires further investigation.
WHO says the wider public risk remains low. Reuters quoted WHO official Maria Van Kerkhove saying any possible human-to-human transmission would require very close contact and is “very, very different” from COVID or influenza.
The next step is Tenerife, screening, quarantine decisions and possible repatriation for passengers who remain healthy.
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