Spain has delayed a decision on where to dock a cruise ship with suspected hantavirus cases, pending further health data. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggested the Canary Islands as a possible destination. However, Spanish authorities have not made a final call.
The MV Hondius is carrying 147 passengers, including many British, American, and Spanish nationals. At least two confirmed and five suspected hantavirus cases have been reported among them. Two international tourists have died, and one passenger is critically ill due to severe acute respiratory infection linked to the outbreak aboard the ship.
The first patient, a Dutch man, died on April 11. The WHO suspects some rare human-to-human transmission occurred among close contacts on board. A British patient currently being treated in South Africa tested positive for hantavirus. The Netherlands confirmed the virus in the deceased Dutch woman.
The WHO estimates that there are between 10,000 and 100,000 hantavirus cases annually worldwide. In Argentina, the lethality rate for hantavirus is around 32%.
Key statements:
- “Based on the epidemiological data collected from the ship during its stopover in Cape Verde, it will be decided which port of call is most appropriate,” said the Spanish health ministry.
- Manuel Dominguez stated, “If it does not have to be in the Canary Islands, then that would be better because there may be other resources on the mainland.”
- Maria Van Kerkhove noted, “We do believe that there may be some human-to-human transmission that’s happening among the really close contacts.”
The cruise ship remains marooned off Cape Verde as authorities assess the situation. The final decision on docking is still pending further health data and international coordination efforts.
