Dutch cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions has confirmed the evacuation of two crew members suspected of having hantavirus to the Netherlands. The evacuation will be carried out using specialized aircraft en route to Cape Verde. The cruise ship Hondius, where the cases were detected, will then reposition to the Canary Islands after the safe transfer of the individuals.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported seven hantavirus cases aboard the Hondius, emphasizing a low overall risk to the public. WHO mentioned the possibility of hantavirus victims on the ship being infected before the cruise, with potential human-to-human transmission. The situation is being closely monitored, with two patients set for medical evacuation to the Netherlands for treatment.
Hantaviruses, carried by rodents, can cause severe disease in humans through contact with infected rodents or their excretions. The WHO is coordinating with Spanish authorities for a full epidemiologic investigation and disinfection of the ship in Spain. Human-to-human transmission of hantavirus is uncommon, with limited spread among close contacts reported in previous outbreaks.
