All passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship have disembarked following health screenings at the Port of Granadilla on Spain’s Tenerife island. The vessel, which faced a suspected hantavirus outbreak, arrived on Sunday, allowing travelers to return home via flights organized by their governments.
Japanese Passenger Returns Safely
The Japanese Foreign Ministry announced that the ship’s sole Japanese passenger has reached Britain aboard a flight chartered by the UK government. The individual remains in good health and will undergo monitoring for up to 45 days.
Ship Heads to Rotterdam
With 27 crew members aboard, the MV Hondius now sails toward Rotterdam in the Netherlands after the full passenger evacuation.
WHO Updates Infection Count
The World Health Organization reported Monday that confirmed hantavirus cases linked to the ship have risen to seven, including a newly infected French national who disembarked. An American passenger tested positive but awaits further verification before official inclusion.
Itinerary Disrupted by Outbreak
The cruise departed Argentina on April 1, aiming to traverse the Antarctic Circle en route to Cape Verde off Africa’s west coast. Authorities in Cape Verde denied entry on Wednesday due to the outbreak reports, prompting the ship to depart the area.
What is Hantavirus?
Hantaviruses spread primarily through contact with infected rodents, leading to symptoms like fever, respiratory issues, and potentially fatal outcomes. Fatality rates range from 40% to 50%, according to health authorities.
No Cases in Thailand
Thailand’s deputy government spokeswoman, Lalida Persvivatana, confirmed Monday that no hantavirus infections have appeared in the country despite a WHO alert regarding the South Atlantic Ocean cruise ship incident.
