- Urgent medical evacuations are underway for crew members following a suspected hantavirus outbreak at sea.
- Three deaths have been reported among 147 people aboard the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius.
- The Spanish government will provide critical medical screening for passengers in the Canary Islands.
The MV Hondius, a Dutch-flagged vessel travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde, is currently dealing with a severe health crisis. Seven suspected cases of hantavirus have emerged, resulting in three fatalities among the 147 people on board. This rare disease, typically spread via rodent waste, can cause fatal respiratory failure.
Among the casualties are a Dutch man who died on 11 April and his wife, who passed away on 27 April. A German passenger also died on 2 May, although the exact cause remains unconfirmed. These tragic events have sparked an international medical response to secure the ship.
Medical teams are now preparing to evacuate a British crew member and a Dutch colleague. Both individuals require urgent medical care due to respiratory symptoms, with the operation being closely overseen by Dutch authorities and the World Health Organization to ensure the patients receive immediate treatment.
International rescue and repatriation
The Spanish health ministry has stepped in to assist as Cape Verde lacks the necessary infrastructure for this operation. The ship will be received in the Canary Islands within three or four days, where all passengers and crew will undergo mandatory medical examinations and treatment.
Read also: Football : Hull could face a points deduction while competing in the Premier LeagueKeir Starmer has confirmed that the UK government is coordinating travel plans for its citizens. There are 19 British passengers and four British crew members currently aboard. Consular teams in the UK, Spain, Portugal, and South Africa are working around the clock to support them.
One British passenger is currently in intensive care in Johannesburg after being evacuated on 27 April. While his condition is critical, reports indicate that this patient is now improving, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing health scare on the vessel.
Containment and safety protocols
To prevent further spread, the cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, has implemented strict safety measures. Passengers have been asked to remain in their cabins while crews carry out thorough disinfection and public health protocols to secure the environment for all those on board.
Maria Van Kerkhove of the WHO noted that one other suspected case remains asymptomatic and is doing well. The organisation’s highest priority is the urgent medical evacuation of the two symptomatic crew members to the Netherlands for specialised care and monitoring.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the operator claims the atmosphere remains calm. The company is focused on providing clarity to guests and expediting the disembarkation process, emphasizing that early medical intervention is the best way to increase survival rates for hantavirus.
