Spain Hails Hantavirus Cruise Operation Success in Canaries
Spain is hailing a complex international medical operation in the Canary Islands as a “triumph of global cooperation” following a rare hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius. The operation successfully repatriated nearly 100 passengers while adhering to strict health protocols designed to contain the rare, person-to-person strain of the virus.
New Cases Emerge During Repatriation
The mission’s urgency was underscored today as two passengers removed from the vessel on Sunday—one American and one French—tested positive for hantavirus. French authorities reported that their citizen began showing symptoms during the repatriation flight and tested positive upon landing. Meanwhile, the United States reported a “weak positive” result for its citizen based on testing conducted while still on board.
Spanish Health Minister Mónica García addressed the new cases during a press conference in Tenerife, defending the rigor of the medical assessments. She noted that the virus has an incubation period of up to 42 days, meaning symptoms can appear suddenly even after a negative test. “The validity of the assessments made on board is not in question,” García stated, emphasizing that experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) oversaw all testing.
A Multilateral Success Story
The MV Hondius had previously been held under quarantine in Cape Verde after an outbreak was detected following its departure from Argentina in early April. The operation in the Canary Islands involved coordinating with over 20 countries to facilitate the safe return of 94 people of 19 different nationalities via eight specialized flights.
“We can feel proud as a country and of our international institutions,” García said. “This is a success for multilateralism and the concept of global health.”
Final Departure and Disinfection
The operation entered its final phase today as the remaining 22 passengers and crew members prepared to board a single flight to the Netherlands, the home country of the ship’s owner. This consolidated flight replaced an earlier plan to split the group between Australia and the Netherlands.
Once the final passengers depart, the MV Hondius—currently carrying 32 essential crew members—will set sail for Rotterdam for a total disinfection. Local authorities confirmed that the port of Granadilla, where the ship is currently anchored, will also undergo a deep cleaning process once the vessel departs.
Understanding the Risk
To date, the WHO has confirmed six cases of hantavirus linked to the MV Hondius, including three fatalities. While hantavirus is typically transmitted from rodents to humans, the specific variant identified in this outbreak—the Andes hantavirus—is rare because it can be transmitted between humans. Symptoms often mimic the flu, including fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, but can progress to severe respiratory issues. Despite the high-profile nature of the cruise outbreak, the WHO maintains that the risk to the general public remains low.
Image: Pexels – Karina Badura
