First hantavirus cruise ship evacuation passengers reach home nations

hantavirus cruise ship evacuation

At 9:30 a.m. on May 10, a small boat ferried the first wave of evacuees from the MV Hondius to Tenerife’s Granadilla port. Passengers, clad in hazmat suits, face masks and respirators, were whisked to the airport in military vehicles.

Spain’s health ministry confirmed that none of the initial group showed symptoms. Reuters reports six confirmed cases and two suspected aboard, with three fatalities. AP News adds that the ship remains anchored for decontamination.

“The risk to the public remains low,” WHO Director‑General Tedros said, urging calm.

Flights are staggered: Spanish and French nationals head to Madrid and Paris; a Dutch‑flagged carrier will transport German, Belgian and Greek citizens to the Netherlands; subsequent legs cover the U.K., Canada, Turkey, Ireland and the U.S.

Thirty crew members (↓ 30 crew) will stay on the ship as it returns to the Netherlands for deep‑cleaning.

In the United States, ↑ 17 Americans await processing at the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the nation’s sole federal quarantine facility. CDC teams are on standby, and state health officials assure the public that containment protocols are robust.

The WHO cautions that the Andes strain can incubate for up to 42 days, necessitating continued monitoring in each passenger’s home country.

Reported by Dr. Silas Mercer (Biotech & Longevity Editor).