Hantavirus Cases Reach Eight With Three Deaths on MV Hondius as of May 8
Eight cases of Andes hantavirus, including three deaths, have been confirmed among passengers and crew of the MV Hondius cruise ship. European nations, the US and UK are dispatching planes to repatriate citizens as the vessel heads to Tenerife. Health officials stress the virus is not expected to spread widely beyond close contacts.
The GuardianAs of 8 May, a total of eight cases of hantavirus disease linked to the MV Hondius have been reported to the World Health Organization, including three deaths, according to the WHO Disease Outbreak News. Six of the cases are confirmed as Andes virus.
Four patients are currently hospitalized. One previously suspected case has been reclassified as negative after testing. An adult male who disembarked in Tristan da Cunha on April 14 remains stable in isolation as a probable case pending laboratory confirmation.
European nations including Germany, France, Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands are dispatching planes to repatriate their nationals from the vessel, according to France 24. Passengers will be tested for hantavirus before disembarking in Tenerife. Spanish authorities have prepared a detailed plan for the operation at the industrial port of Granadilla, using sealed vehicles through a cordoned-off corridor to prevent any contact between passengers and the local population.
The WHO director will travel to Tenerife to oversee the hantavirus ship evacuation.
The United Kingdom is preparing to receive 22 British passengers and crew at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside, the site previously used for Covid-19 quarantines. UK Health Security Agency officials will meet the British nationals upon arrival in Tenerife.
Those without symptoms will be taken there for clinical assessment and testing in an isolated facility. They face up to 45 days of isolation, with public health specialists determining whether they can later isolate at home. Infection prevention measures including face masks and personal protective equipment will be in place throughout.
The CDC continues to provide informational materials and clinical resources to public health agencies nationwide. Acting CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya stated that Americans from the ship have been moved to an isolation facility. Five U.S. states have identified former passengers within their borders and are monitoring them for symptoms, which can take up to eight weeks to appear.
