Spanish authorities have agreed to allow the Dutch-flagged cruise ship “MV Hondius,” where a hantavirus outbreak has been reported, to dock at one of the ports in the Canary Islands.
According to El Confidencial, Madrid made this decision based on a prior request from the World Health Organization (WHO), coordinated with the European Union. The vessel is currently stationed near the Cape Verde islands.
Before the ship resumes its journey, experts from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will assess the epidemiological situation. They are expected to determine whether an urgent evacuation from Cape Verde is necessary.
Other passengers and crew members are expected to proceed toward the Canary Islands. The journey is estimated to take 3–4 days, although the specific port of call has not yet been disclosed.
Upon arrival in Spain, all passengers and crew will undergo medical examinations, receive necessary treatment, and will then be repatriated to their home countries.
