Spain accepts the WHO’s request to “welcome” the cruise ship carrying hantavirus patients to the Canary Islands

The Spanish government has approved the World Health Organization’s ( WHO ) request to allow the cruise ship ‘MV Hondius’, carrying several people infected with hantavirus, to dock in the Canary Islands. The Ministry of 
Health confirmed the decision, coordinated with the European Union, in a move aimed at addressing the health situation on board the vessel.

The Ministry of Health explained that this action responds “to compliance with International Law and the humanitarian spirit “, in a context in which several passengers require specialized medical attention and a safe transfer.

The vessel is currently in Cape Verde, where it has stopped after the outbreak was detected. There, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is “conducting a thorough examination of the ship to determine which people need to be urgently evacuated from Cape Verde itself.” The remaining passengers will continue their journey to the Canary Islands, with arrival expected in three to four days at a port yet to be determined.

HEALTH PROTOCOL AND TRANSFERS

Once in Spanish territory, “ crew and passengers will be properly examined , cared for, and transferred to their respective countries.” The entire process will be organized following a common case and contact management protocol developed by the WHO and the ECDC, which will include “all necessary safety guarantees .”

The Ministry has assured that “both medical care and transfers will be carried out in special spaces and transport vehicles specifically set up for this situation, avoiding all contact with the local population and ensuring the safety of healthcare personnel at all times.” Specific details of this protocol will be made public “as soon as they are defined” by international organizations, along with information on its implementation.

Cape Verde has been unable to undertake the operation.

According to data provided by the Ministry of Health, the WHO has indicated that Cape Verde “cannot carry out this operation” and that the Canary Islands is “the closest place with the necessary capabilities” to manage the situation.

“Spain has a moral and legal obligation to assist these people , among whom are several Spanish citizens,” the Ministry emphasized. As part of this operation, the government has also accepted a formal request from Dutch authorities to transfer the doctor from the MV Hondius, who is in serious condition. The doctor will be evacuated to the Canary Islands on a hospital plane in the coming hours.