Three individuals suspected of having hantavirus have been evacuated from the MV Hondius cruise ship amidst a deadly outbreak, raising local concerns regarding the ship’s planned docking at the Canary Islands. Fernando Clavijo, the leader of the Canary Islands, has voiced his opposition to the ship docking, prompting an urgent request for a meeting with Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez. This stance contrasts with the Spanish government’s insistence that the vessel could dock at Granadilla de Abona—a secondary port in Tenerife.
The evacuation of the three individuals, confirmed by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organisation, involves a British doctor from the ship who is now en route to the Netherlands for treatment. The Spanish health ministry has reported the doctor’s condition has improved. In addition, two Dutch specialists will be deployed to the vessel.
A case of hantavirus has been confirmed in Switzerland involving a man who returned from a South America trip on the MV Hondius. His wife, accompanying him, is currently asymptomatic but is self-isolating as a precautionary measure. The Swiss health authorities, while confirming the risk of hantavirus transmission is low, noted that person-to-person transmission is rare but possible.
The outbreak has resulted in two confirmed cases and five suspected cases onboard the cruise ship, with three fatalities, one critically ill patient, and others exhibiting mild symptoms. Local health officials are monitoring the situation closely, asserting that the public health risk remains low.
Clavijo has publicly rejected the government’s directive to allow MV Hondius to dock, stating that the decision is not grounded in sufficient risk assessment or public safety guarantees. This announcement comes as the ship has been anchored off Cape Verde since May 3, awaiting a final resolution.
The ongoing crisis has garnered attention from Spanish health authorities, who have been directed by the World Health Organisation and the European Union to assist the vessel in line with international humanitarian standards. However, Clavijo’s refusal raises questions about the safety measures for the island’s residents. Reports indicate the cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, has confirmed the presence of four Australian passengers aboard the ship.
Despite the tense situation, preparations continue for possible docking in Tenerife, illustrating the delicate balance of public health, safety, and humanitarian response amidst this emerging outbreak.