Canary Islands moves to block hantavirus-hit MV Hondius after evacuations

An outbreak of the deadly Andes strain of hantavirus has crippled the MV Hondius cruise ship, sparking international evacuations, and a diplomatic standoff in Spain.

Since, departing a month ago, three passengers have died; while one case was confirmed, the other two remain under investigation.

Two passengers in serious condition arrived in the Netherlands for treatment. A third passenger, a 56-year-old British man, is in a stable condition awaiting evacuation. Fatalities include a Dutch woman who died in South Africa and a German woman whose body remains on the vessel. 

The WHO has identified eight cases which include three confirmed and five suspected. South African authorities confirmed the Andes strain, which is native to Latin America; crucially, experts note this specific strain can spread via human-to-human contact. In the United States, three passengers in Georgia and Arizona are being monitored.

On the other hand, one man tested positive in Zurich after disembarking. Two people are self-isolating after potential exposure. Health experts emphasize that transmission requires close physical contact, unlike the airborne nature of COVID-19 or flu.

The MV Hondius is currently sailing toward Spain’s Canary Islands, after being anchored near Cape Verde for three days. A total of 146 people from 23 countries remain on the ship under strict precautionary measures. 

Regional President Fernando Clavijo has opposed the arrival of the ship in Tenerife, demanding an urgent meeting with Spain’s Prime Minister and citing a lack of technical information. 

Health Minister Monica Garcia stated all passengers will undergo medical assessment upon arrival. Foreigners will be repatriated, while Spanish citizens will be quarantined at a military hospital in Madrid. 

Meanwhile, KLM Airlines issued an advisory after a Dutch victim briefly boarded a flight from Johannesburg to Amsterdam before her condition was noticed. 

As reported by the BBC, the WHO and various national health agencies are actively tracing contacts from flights and previous disembarkation points to contain the spread.