A Swiss man who traveled on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which is facing a deadly hantavirus outbreak, is being treated in Zurich after developing symptoms. The ship, currently anchored off Cape Verde, is set to dock in the Canary Islands despite opposition from local authorities. Two critically ill crew members, including a British doctor, are being evacuated for medical care.
A man who had been onboard the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius, which is currently at the center of a deadly hantavirus outbreak , is receiving treatment in Zurich after developing symptoms upon his return to Switzerland.
The outbreak of the rare, rodent-borne illness, which has a mortality rate of 40 percent, has resulted in three deaths and left several others critically ill. The ship remains anchored off the coast of Cape Verde in the Atlantic Ocean but is expected to eventually dock in the Canary Islands. The Swiss government confirmed that the man and his wife had returned to Switzerland at the end of April following a trip to South America.
The man began experiencing symptoms only after arriving home, prompting him to seek medical attention. The Federal Office of Public Health stated that the patient was immediately placed in isolation at the University Hospital of Zurich after consulting his family doctor by telephone. His wife, who is currently asymptomatic, has also been placed in isolation as a precautionary measure.
Authorities are investigating whether the man had any recent contact with others but have reassured the public that the risk of transmission remains low. The situation has escalated as the president of Spain's Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, expressed strong opposition to allowing the cruise ship to dock in the archipelago, citing concerns over a potential outbreak.
Clavijo criticized the Spanish government for its lack of transparency and professionalism, stating that the decision to permit the ship's entry was not based on technical criteria. He accused the health minister of failing to provide adequate explanations regarding the World Health Organization's guidelines and insisted that the ship should not be allowed to dock in the Canary Islands.
Meanwhile, Spanish media reported that two seriously ill crew members, including a British doctor, will be evacuated from the ship. One crew member will be flown to the Netherlands via Cape Verde, while the British doctor, who is in critical condition, will be transported directly to the Canary Islands in a hospital plane.
Spain's health ministry confirmed that the ship is expected to arrive in the Canary Islands within three to four days, where passengers and crew will undergo medical evaluations and be transferred to their respective countries. The MV Hondius has been under quarantine since Saturday, when the WHO was alerted about the suspected hantavirus outbreak. Passengers and crew have been isolated, and the ship remains anchored near Praia, the capital of Cape Verde.
Footage from inside the vessel shows deserted decks and empty common areas, with only a few individuals wearing medical masks moving about
Hantavirus Outbreak MV Hondius Cruise Ship Canary Islands Swiss Passenger Health Emergency
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