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Hantavirus Ship Evacuated: Passengers Reach Netherlands
12 May
Summary
- MV Hondius passengers and crew evacuated to the Netherlands due to hantavirus.
- 94 individuals repatriated after 41 days at sea following hantavirus outbreak.
- WHO confirmed seven cases of the Andes strain of hantavirus.
The MV Hondius, which experienced a hantavirus outbreak, has concluded its evacuation as passengers and crew arrived in the Netherlands. The vessel departed Tenerife on Monday after the final individuals were disembarked. Six passengers and 19 crew members left the ship in Granadilla de Abona, while 25 crew, a doctor, and a nurse continued to the Netherlands.
Spanish health minister Monica Garcia announced the operation's completion. This evacuation saw 94 people repatriated 41 days after the MV Hondius departed Argentina. The outbreak, involving the Andes strain of hantavirus, resulted in three confirmed deaths. The World Health Organization reported seven confirmed cases and two suspected ones.
Concerns over passenger mental health led authorities to decide against further quarantine onboard the vessel. The WHO had recommended a 42-day quarantine. Health officials have stated that the virus does not spread easily between people, and the risk to the public remains low.
