Two suspected hantavirus patients from the cruise ship MV Hondius are stranded on a grounded air ambulance in Spain’s Canary Islands due to a technical issue. The aircraft, which was supposed to refuel in Marrakesh, Morocco, faced a malfunction, preventing it from landing. The patients, including the ship’s doctor, are receiving electrical support while waiting for a replacement plane.
The Spanish Health Ministry confirmed that the patients are not a public health risk and will stay on the tarmac until the situation is resolved. This evacuation is part of the response to a hantavirus outbreak associated with the MV Hondius. Spain has agreed to receive the vessel in the Canary Islands following international protocols and humanitarian considerations.
The World Health Organization, in collaboration with the European Union, has requested Spain to accept the MV Hondius, where hantavirus cases were identified. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control is assessing the onboard situation to determine who needs urgent evacuation in Cape Verde. The rest of the passengers and crew will head to the Canary Islands, expecting to arrive in three to four days.
