Topline
Passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, which is facing a hantavirus situation, are set to be evacuated over the next day as reported early on Saturday. They’ll be returned to their home countries under tight health monitoring.
Timeline
An official from the Canarias Region of Spain mentioned that evacuation of all passengers from the MV Hondius will begin within 24 hours. Those who aren’t prepared for the transfer to airplanes won’t be able to leave the ship.
Passengers will be outfitted with full protective gear and transported to a local airport. Officials highlighted the importance of this precaution to mitigate any risk to others.
Fourteen Spanish passengers will lead the evacuation process.
Sources indicated that the CDC activated a level three emergency response for the hantavirus outbreak on the ship, which includes mobilizing disease experts and support staff.
CNN has reported that about 17 Americans on the cruise will be taken via charter flight to the National Quarantine Unit in Omaha. Efforts to gather information from the CDC continue.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill noted that two state residents are being monitored for potential exposure to a passenger who had the virus after leaving the ship, alongside local health departments in multiple states doing their own tracking.
A Spanish health official announced a young woman in Alicante, who was on a flight with a confirmed hantavirus patient from the ship, is now exhibiting symptoms, raising the count of confirmed and suspected cases to nine.
Officials from Singapore confirmed that two residents who were on the ship tested negative for the virus, despite being on the same flight as a deceased passenger.
Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo confirmed that the MV Hondius will not be allowed to dock in Tenerife and will instead anchor offshore, with passengers being ferried directly to land when their evacuation flights are ready. Currently, no one aboard the ship shows symptoms.
U.K. health authorities reported a new suspected hantavirus case linked to the cruise on Tristan da Cunha island involving a British man.
The WHO confirmed a flight attendant from KLM, who was isolated after having symptoms, tested negative, indicating the virus can only be transmitted through close contact.
President Donald Trump asserted that the hantavirus outbreak is “very much” under control and expressed hope that the public wouldn’t be alarmed.
Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo voiced concerns that the U.S. isn’t fully equipped to manage a hantavirus outbreak given previous cuts to health agencies.
Doctors have challenged claims online around ivermectin as a treatment for hantavirus.
Oceanwide Expeditions, responsible for the MV Hondius, revealed at least 29 passengers from 12 countries left the ship after an early death. The originating countries include Canada, Germany, and the United States.
WHO Director Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus indicated some passengers shared a flight with a woman who died after the cruise.
Ghebreyesus mentioned none of the remaining passengers or crew show symptoms currently but cautioned that more cases might emerge as it can take weeks for symptoms to develop. However, the overall public health risk is regarded as “low.”
A Dutch flight attendant is under evaluation after contact with a deceased patient.
An international research team is reportedly working on a vaccine for hantavirus.
Reports mentioned the retirement of the official in charge of public health on cruise ships during the outbreak.
WHO epidemic expert Maria Van Kerkhove addressed the seriousness of the disease, clarifying it’s not analogous to COVID-19, but still raises concerns.
The total count of confirmed hantavirus cases stands at five, with at least three more suspected among passengers and crew.
Argentine officials speculated the outbreak might have begun from a bird-watching expedition leading to potential rodent exposure.
Health officials have categorized the outbreak as an Andes strain of hantavirus, distinguished for its person-to-person transmission capabilities.
Spanish health minister Monica Garcia informed that the MV Hondius is heading to the Granadilla port in Tenerife, where passengers are expected to leave by May 11.
Three individuals needing urgent medical attention have been evacuated from the ship.
One passenger who traveled earlier on the cruise is hospitalized in Switzerland with a hantavirus strain, prompting contact tracing efforts.
Tests confirmed the Andes virus is responsible for the infections on board the ship.
The WHO confirmed a hantavirus strain aboard the MV Hondius, marking an initial recognition of two lab-confirmed cases.
Authorities in Cape Verde denied docking permission for the MV Hondius, citing public health concerns.
A passenger died on board, later recognized for having a suspected hantavirus case.
A British passenger faced medical evacuation due to a hantavirus variant.
The spouse of the initial victim succumbed while in South Africa.
A 70-year-old man passed away on the ship, but the cause remains under investigation.
The MV Hondius set sail from Ushuaia, Argentina.
Crucial Quote
“It’s been quite a mammoth effort,” noted Professor Robin May of the UK Health Security Agency regarding the contact tracing of passengers.
Where Is The MV Hondius?
Currently, the MV Hondius is off the coast of Morocco en route to the Canary Islands. Passengers have been advised to stay in their cabins as medical teams in protective attire are present onboard.
Big Number
Nearly 150 individuals are currently onboard the MV Hondius, representing 23 different countries, including 17 from the U.S.
Who Are The Hantavirus Patients?
- Suspected case: A 70-year-old Dutch man who died on April 11 is believed to be the first case.
- Confirmed case: His 69-year-old wife passed shortly after, confirming the illness.
- Suspected case: A German woman died aboard on May 2 with suspicions of hantavirus.
- Confirmed case: A British expedition guide was hospitalized after showing symptoms and confirmed positive for hantavirus.
- Confirmed case: Another British passenger was evacuated and flown to the Netherlands.
- Confirmed case: A Swiss man tested positive after returning home from the ship.
- Suspected case: A British man on Tristan da Cunha is being monitored for exposure.
- Suspected case: A woman in Spain is undergoing tests for hantavirus after sharing a plane with an infected individual.
- Tested negative: A KLM flight attendant who showed mild symptoms has tested negative.
What Happens To People Who May Have Been Exposed To Andes Hantavirus?
WHO officials are tracking individuals who may have interacted with infected persons to assess their level of exposure and establish monitoring protocols, including daily health checks over a 42-day period.
Key Background
The MV Hondius departed from Ushuaia, Argentina on April 1, traversing various remote islands before aiming for the Canary Islands. Despite efforts, it was refused docking in Cape Verde, eventually set to dock in Tenerife for passenger disembarkation.
Tangent
A passenger submitted complaints about a lack of communication regarding potential health risks aboard.
What Is The Andes Hantavirus?
The Andes strain of hantavirus is notably transmitted from person-to-person, highlighted through close interactions in its early stages. Although typically contracted from rodent exposure, officials found no such rodents aboard the MV Hondius.
What Are The Symptoms Of Hantavirus?
Hantavirus causes two primary syndromes, each presenting varying symptoms with notable severity in cases involving pulmonary complications.
How Is Hantavirus Treated?
Currently, there isn’t a specific treatment for hantavirus. Supportive care is generally recommended, though the efficacy of certain therapies remains disputed.
Further Reading
For additional information on the situation, reliability of various treatments, or background on the Andes virus, there are resources available through numerous health agencies.
