Finally, after several cross statements between the regional and state government and criticism of the Minister of Health, Mónica García, the cruise ship MV Hondius will arrive in the Canary Islands. Its arrival has activated a broad health operation coordinated by the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), and various European bodies. The ship, which was sailing from South America, is heading towards Tenerife after a hantavirus outbreak was detected on board, which has left several deceased and confirmed and investigated infections by health authorities.
Spanish authorities have confirmed that the docking will take place in the port of Granadilla de Abona and that passengers will undergo medical checks before their repatriation or transfer. Spanish travelers will be sent to the Gómez Ulla military hospital, in Madrid, where they will remain in quarantine, while foreign citizens will be coordinated with their respective countries.
The outbreak has generated international concern over the possible human-to-human transmission of the so-called Andes strain of hantavirus, something unusual according to experts and health organizations. The WHO maintains the epidemiological investigation open to determine the exact origin of the infections and the scope of the outbreak detected on the ship.
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a group of viruses transmitted mainly by infected rodents. People can become infected by inhaling particles from the urine, saliva, or droppings of these animals. Some variants can cause severe respiratory conditions.
What has happened on the cruise ship MV Hondius?
The outbreak was detected during the voyage of the cruise ship MV Hondius, which had departed from Ushuaia, in Argentina, and was heading towards the Canary Islands. Health authorities are investigating several cases related to the virus and deaths among passengers have been confirmed.
How many cases have been detected?
The WHO has reported at least eight cases linked to the outbreak, several of them confirmed by laboratory. Three deaths related to the virus have also been registered during the journey.
Why is this outbreak a concern?
Health authorities are investigating whether human-to-human transmission has occurred on board the ship. According to the WHO, the Andes strain of hantavirus can be transmitted between humans under certain circumstances, although this type of contagion is infrequent.
What are the symptoms of hantavirus?
Among the symptoms described by health organizations are fever, general malaise, headache, nausea, dry cough, and difficulty breathing. The most severe cases can affect the lungs.
How is it normally transmitted?
The most common transmission route is contact with particles contaminated by infected rodents. Experts explain that contagion usually occurs by inhaling contaminated dust in closed or rural spaces.
When will the cruise ship arrive in the Canary Islands?
Spanish authorities expect the MV Hondius to arrive at the port of Granadilla de Abona, in Tenerife, in the coming days. The disembarkation and health control operation is already in preparation.
What will happen to the passengers?
The passengers will be medically evaluated upon arrival. Spanish travelers will be transferred to the Gómez Ulla hospital in Madrid to observe quarantine, while the rest will be repatriated with the coordination of their respective governments and European emergency mechanisms.
Is there a risk to the population in the Canary Islands?
The Ministry of Health has defended that the risk to the general population is “extremely low” and maintains that the outbreak is limited to the cruise ship environment. The authorities assure that the planned protocols seek to avoid contact with the local population.
Is the investigation still open?
Yes. The WHO and health authorities continue to investigate the origin of the hantavirus outbreak, the possible extent of infections, and the tracking of passengers who previously disembarked the ship during the voyage.