Spanish Passengers Evacuate Cruise Ship Following Hantavirus Outbreak
Spanish nationals have begun disembarking from the MV Hondius near Tenerife as medical teams screen passengers following a deadly hantavirus outbreak on the vessel
Spanish passengers began arriving on shore from the cruise ship MV Hondius early Sunday morning after the vessel anchored near Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The evacuation follows a deadly outbreak of hantavirus on board the vessel, which has prompted a significant medical response. While Spanish nationals were the first to be brought to shore, groups of passengers from other countries are scheduled to follow as the evacuation process continues throughout the day.[1][2]
During the disembarkation, medical teams dressed in full hazmat suits were seen assisting the passengers as they left the ship. The Spanish evacuees were required to wear protective gear, including blue plastic ponchos and hair coverings, as they were brought off the vessel by health officials. Every passenger is being screened for the hantavirus infection to manage the outbreak and prevent further transmission.[1]
The MV Hondius anchored off the coast of the Canary Islands early on Sunday morning to facilitate the controlled evacuation of those on board. The operation remains active as authorities work to process the various nationalities present on the ship following the detection of the virus, with further updates expected as the medical teams continue their work on the ground.[1][2]
