UPDATE: Cruise ship with deadly virus outbreak refused entry to the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands government has said a cruise ship linked to a hantavirus outbreak should not be allowed to dock in the islands unless it is proven to pose no risk. Regional president Fernando Clavijo confirmed the position today (Tuesday), as the vessel remains off the coast of Cape Verde awaiting permission to disembark sick crew members.
The ship, the MV Hondius, is currently near the island of Santiago, where two crew members with symptoms are waiting to go ashore for treatment. Health teams are carrying out checks on passengers to understand how many people may be affected and whether the illness has spread.
So far, at least seven people on board have been affected, including three who have died. Two cases have been confirmed as hantavirus, a rare infection usually spread by contact with infected rodents, while the remaining cases are still being investigated.
Spanish authorities are working alongside the World Health Organisation and other countries to decide what should happen next. The Spanish Ministry of Health has said it will wait for the results of the ongoing health assessment before making any final decision.
Clavijo has made it clear he believes the ship should be dealt with where it is, rather than being brought to the Canary Islands. He said those who are unwell should receive treatment in Cape Verde before the ship continues its journey.
The vessel had originally been due to end its voyage in the Canary Islands after leaving Argentina in March. However, officials now suggest it should travel directly to the Netherlands, where the company that operates the ship is based, without stopping in the archipelago.
Clavijo said he is in regular contact with Spain’s Health Minister, Mónica García, who shares the same view. He added that moving the ship to the Canary Islands would be unnecessary if support can be provided where it is currently located.
Passengers could be flown home directly from Cape Verde or remain on board if the ship continues its route. Authorities say any decision will focus on keeping both those on board and people in the Canary Islands safe.
The World Health Organisation has said the overall global risk remains low, but the situation is still being closely monitored.
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