The MV Hondius, a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak, arrived in Granadilla de Abona, Spain, on Sunday. This marks a critical moment as nearly 150 people on board prepare for evacuation after weeks at sea.
Escorted by a Civil Guard vessel, the Dutch-flagged ship's arrival comes after reports of three fatalities linked to the virus, including two Dutch passengers and a German woman.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified everyone on the ship as high-risk contacts. Despite this, WHO officials have assured the public that the risk of transmission to the general population remains low.
"This is not another Covid," stated WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a letter to the residents of Tenerife, emphasizing the measures in place to manage the crisis.
WHO
Evacuations are set to take place between Sunday and Monday, with passengers screened before leaving the ship. Authorities have established a maritime exclusion zone to ensure safety.
Local life in Granadilla de Abona seemed unaffected, with residents engaging in daily activities while health protocols were strictly enforced.
Health officials confirmed six cases of hantavirus among the passengers, with no suspected cases remaining on board. The ship had previously set sail from Cape Verde.
In response to the outbreak, health authorities in several countries are tracking individuals who may have been in contact with the infected passengers.