The situation of the cruise ship MV Hondius, affected by a hantavirus outbreak, continues to generate international concern, while the World Health Organization (WHO) and Spanish health authorities coordinate the disembarkation of passengers and crew in the Canary Islands.
The Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has asked that passengers be allowed to leave the ship “as soon as possible”, according to information published by El País, which cites statements made by the international organization. The request comes after several days of isolation of the cruise ship and following the detection of several suspected cases linked to the outbreak.
The WHO works alongside the Spanish Ministry of Health and other international organizations to assess the condition of travelers and organize the necessary health protocols once the ship arrives on Spanish territory.
WHO mentions the psychological impact on passengers
Part of the WHO's concern is related to the health and psychological consequences derived from prolonged isolation on board the cruise ship.
According to El País, Tedros defended a rapid disembarkation to “minimize the risk of contagion and psychological stress” among the people who remain on board.
Maria Van Kerkhove, head of epidemic preparedness at the WHO, also publicly acknowledged the concern among passengers and assured that the priority is to guarantee adequate medical attention and a safe return to their countries of origin.
Investigation into the origin of the outbreak
The WHO keeps the investigation open to determine how transmission occurred on board the ship.
Hantavirus is usually related to contact with infected rodents, although some specific variants detected in South America can be transmitted between people in specific circumstances. The WHO considers it plausible that human contagion occurred on the cruise ship, although the investigation remains open.
The international organization insists, however, that the risk to the general population remains low and that there are currently no reasons to impose general travel or trade restrictions.
Meanwhile, Spanish health authorities are preparing epidemiological control devices for the arrival of the ship in the Canary Islands, where passengers will undergo medical evaluations and follow-up protocols.
The Spanish Ministry of Health works in coordination with the WHO and port authorities to organize the disembarkation and transfer of passengers.
So far, no extraordinary measures have been announced beyond the usual health protocols for infectious diseases, although the case has generated international attention due to the unusual characteristics of the outbreak and the possibility of human-to-human transmission. The WHO has also not declared an international health emergency related to this episode.