Spain to Receive Cruise Ship After Deadly Hantavirus Outbreak
The Spanish government has confirmed it is ready to receive a cruise ship currently gripped by an outbreak of the rare and deadly hantavirus. The vessel, which has been under quarantine in Cape Verde, is expected to dock at a Spanish port following a coordinated effort with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Spain Prepares for Port of Entry
During a press conference in Madrid following a Council of Ministers meeting, government spokesperson Minister Elma Saiz offered a “message of reassurance,” stating that Spain is fully prepared to handle the vessel’s arrival. The specific port of call will be determined based on epidemiological data currently being gathered in Cape Verde.
“Everything is prepared for medical care, assessment, and, if necessary, full disinfection of the ship,” Saiz said, noting that Spanish health officials are in constant communication with the WHO to ensure all safety protocols are met.
The Toll of the Outbreak
The cruise ship, which departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on March 20 for a wildlife observation voyage, has 149 people on board, including 88 passengers of 23 different nationalities. What began as a scenic tour through the South Atlantic turned into a medical crisis between April 6 and April 28, as passengers and crew began fallen ill with severe symptoms.
According to the WHO, the outbreak has already resulted in two confirmed deaths. The toll currently includes:
- Two confirmed cases: A woman who had close contact with a deceased passenger, and another individual currently in intensive care in Johannesburg.
- Five suspected cases: These include a man and a woman who died on April 11 and May 2, respectively, and three others currently on board suffering from high fevers and gastrointestinal distress.
Investigating a Rare Threat
Hantaviruses are typically transmitted to humans through contact with the waste or saliva of infected rodents. While most strains do not spread between humans, the “Andes virus” found in parts of South America is a notable exception. Health officials have not yet identified the specific strain involved in this outbreak or determined if the virus is spreading person-to-person.
Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s Director for Epidemic and Pandemic Prevention, stated that once the ship arrives in the Canary Islands, Spanish authorities will conduct an “exhaustive investigation” and a “total disinfection” of the vessel.
Looking Ahead
While the symptoms—which progress rapidly from fever and stomach issues to pneumonia and respiratory failure—are severe, the WHO currently assesses the risk to the general global population as low. Spain’s Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation closely as the ship nears European waters, promising a transparent assessment of the risks to those remaining on board.
Image: Pexels – Mikhail Nilov
