Spanish authorities have begun preparations for the arrival of the cruise ship MV Hondius. The Dutch ship has more than 140 passengers and crew on board after a hantavirus outbreak was detected during the voyage. The vessel is expected to dock on the island of Tenerife, at Canárias, in the early hours of Sunday.
Ministério of Saúde of Espanha confirmed that the unloading operation will take place in an isolated area in the port of Granadilla. Virginia Barcones, responsible for emergency services, detailed that passengers will be taken to a completely separate, fenced area. Estados Unidos and Reino Unido prepare aircraft to repatriate their citizens.
Preparativos include isolated area and medical support
The vessel departed Cabo Verde on Wednesday after three people were evacuated due to symptoms. Elas were sent for treatment at Holanda. Até At the moment, the outbreak records three confirmed deaths and at least five positive cases among occupants.
- Passageiros will be evaluated individually upon disembarking
- Aqueles without symptoms may proceed for repatriation
- Equipes doctors with protective equipment work on site
- Contato with the local population is prohibited
Organização Mundial of Saúde (WHO) classified the risk of transmission as low. Não has symptomatic passengers on board at the moment. The virus is of the Andes type, which can be transmitted between humans in rare cases.
Conflito between central government and regional government
Canárias president Fernando Clavijo expressed concern about the decision. Ele argued that there was a lack of sufficient information about the outbreak to ensure public safety. The central government in Madri, however, authorized the arrival based on humanitarian principles and the region’s logistical capacity.
The operation was described as unprecedented. Equipes of health prepare transfer in small boats if the ship does not dock directly. The deadline for completing disembarkation is 24 hours to avoid delays due to weather conditions. Hospitais on Tenerife and Madri are on alert.
Outbreak Histórico on Atlântico
MV Hondius left Argentina in April with around 170 people. The first symptoms appeared days later. Três passengers died, including a Dutch couple. Outros cases were identified after previous landings on Santa Helena.
Países as Estados Unidos, Reino Unido, Suíça, Alemanha and África of Sul monitor former passengers. Autoridades Americans in at least five states accompany people who returned before the cases were confirmed.
The ship remained anchored for days near Cabo Verde, which denied docking. Espanha agreed to receive the vessel after coordination with the WHO. The company Oceanwide Expeditions operates the expedition cruise.
Medidas security and repatriation
Passageiros of 23 nationalities are on board. Negociações involve more than 20 countries to organize the return. Espanhóis on board, in small numbers, will proceed to the military hospital in Madri.
- Avaliação immediate medical upon arrival
- Quarentena for suspected or confirmed cases
- Ship’s Desinfecção after evacuation
- Monitoramento from recent contacts
Especialistas remember that hantavirus causes flu-like symptoms and can develop into serious respiratory problems. The mortality rate varies depending on the strain. In the current case, the focus is on containment and support for those affected.
Vessel current Situação
MV Hondius heads towards Tenerife with no new symptoms reported among those remaining on board. The journey from Cabo Verde takes about three and a half days. Spanish Autoridades reinforce that the local population will not have direct contact with passengers.
The operation mobilizes emergency resources and international coordination. The objective is to complete the disembarkation safely and allow those involved to return to their countries of origin. Spain prepares isolated protocol to receive cruise with hantavirus cases in Tenerife