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Irish citizens stranded on virus ship await rescue
10 May
Summary
- Two Irish citizens are stranded on a cruise ship with a hantavirus outbreak.
- The women are expected to be flown home by air ambulance from Spain.
- Quarantine of up to six weeks is required upon their return to Ireland.
Two Irish citizens, stranded on the cruise ship MV Hondius following a rare hantavirus outbreak, are anticipated to be repatriated to Ireland. The vessel is expected to dock in Spain on Sunday, after which the two Irish women will be tested for the virus. They are scheduled for evacuation via air ambulance from Spain and will likely face a quarantine period of up to six weeks upon their return to Ireland to ensure they are not infected.
Irish officials are collaborating with Spanish and EU authorities to arrange safe, socially distanced transport for the passengers. The hantavirus outbreak has resulted in eight confirmed cases and three deaths among the passengers and crew. The World Health Organization has stated the virus is not easily transmissible, and the risk to the general population is considered very low.
Health experts emphasize that while the situation is serious for those on board, the virus's transmissibility is significantly lower than that of COVID-19. The repatriation process will involve strict safety protocols, including mask-wearing and social distancing. Once in Ireland, the women will likely be asked to self-isolate, with monitoring for any potential symptoms. The government is confident in its ability to manage the situation effectively upon their return.
