The cruise ship affected by a possible hantavirus outbreak, with three confirmed deaths, now has Canary Islands as one of the main options on the table after Cape Verde's refusal to allow its docking. The Spanish alternative is being evaluated by the shipping company and health authorities, in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO).
The ship remains blocked off the coast of Cape Verde after the country denied disembarkation for public health reasons. This decision has forced the opening of new avenues to manage the situation, both in health and logistical terms.
Canary Islands, option under study
Spanish authorities, through the Ministry of Health and Foreign Health services, are analyzing different scenarios given the possibility that the ship arrives in the Canary Islands. This option has been considered after the refusal of Cape Verde and the need to guarantee medical attention to those affected.
The ports of Las Palmas and Tenerife appear as possible destinations in case the stopover is authorized. In parallel, action protocols are being prepared that would include health checks, medical evaluation of passengers, and possible evacuations.
The final decision will depend on the evolution of the health situation on board and the recommendations of the international organizations involved in the management of the case.
WHO coordinates the response
The WHO is coordinating the international response to the outbreak, which includes epidemiological investigations, additional laboratory tests, and analysis of the virus.
The organization has confirmed that the outbreak is being monitored and that both the origin of the contagion and the risk to the rest of the passengers and crew are being evaluated.
In addition, virus sequencing work is being carried out and coordination is maintained with the health authorities of the countries involved in the management of the case.
According to the WHO, hantavirus outbreaks are usually localized episodes, mainly associated with exposure to infected rodents. Person-to-person transmission is not the usual route of contagion.
In this case, the investigation remains open and the exact origin of the outbreak on the cruise ship has not been determined. Health authorities continue to analyze the cases and evaluate the evolution of the situation.