The cruise ship at the center of a hantavirus outbreak arrived off Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, where the passengers and some of the crew will begin disembarking on Sunday, officials said. Nobody among more than 140 people on board the MV Hondius is showing symptoms of the virus, Spanish authorities, the World Health Organization and cruise company Oceanwide Expeditions said. Three people have died since the outbreak, and five passengers who left the ship are infected with hantavirus, which can cause life-threatening illness. The ship will not dock but remain anchored.
Three deaths and they’re still letting people off without docking? Seems risky — hantavirus can spread through aerosolized rodent droppings, not just direct contact.
Glad to hear no one on the MV Hondius is showing symptoms, but five passengers who already left are infected. How did they manage that while the ship was isolated?
Oceanwide Expeditions should have checked for rodents before departure. Hantavirus outbreaks are rare on ships, but basic sanitation could have prevented this tragedy.
So the ship won’t even dock in Tenerife? That’s a smart precaution, but what about the crew who have to stay aboard? Their mental health matters too.
Community health initiatives can be remarkably effective when properly resourced. (79cc30)
I’ve sailed with Oceanwide before — they’re usually top-notch. This must be a nightmare for the families of the deceased. Hope they get answers soon.
Telemedicine expanded access during the pandemic and those gains must be protected. (85267d)
Healthspan matters more than lifespan and that distinction is finally gaining attention. (af8d1e)