Five Ukrainian citizens are on board the MV Hondius cruise ship, where an outbreak of hantavirus was recorded. The ship is heading to the Canary Islands in Spain, where upon arrival, doctors will examine all passengers and crew members. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
The liner is expected to arrive in Spain on May 9. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that five Ukrainians are members of the crew. Their health is satisfactory, they have no symptoms of the disease. The Embassy of Ukraine in the Netherlands maintains constant contact with a representative of the ship’s operator.
A total of five people with symptoms of hantavirus were evacuated from the liner. Two of them were confirmed to have the disease and are being treated in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Zurich, Switzerland. Three more people suspected of the disease were transported to the Netherlands and Germany. The situation is under special control of the Department of Consular Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Embassy of Ukraine in the Netherlands, and the Consulate of Ukraine in Malaysia.
The MV Hondius liner under the flag of the Netherlands set off on a three-week cruise from Argentina. The route included visits to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and other locations. A 70-year-old Dutch citizen died suddenly while on board, followed by his 69-year-old wife. Three people on board have now died.
According to the WHO, hantavirus was found on the ship. This is a viral infection that is transmitted by animals and can be transmitted to humans. Infection most often occurs through contact with rodents, including rats and mice, as well as through their urine, droppings and saliva.
There are 170 passengers and 71 crew members on board, including a doctor. After the outbreak was detected, the ship anchored off Cape Verde, an island nation off the west coast of Africa. People on board were in isolation.
The ship is now heading to the Canary Islands. The WHO explained that Cape Verde does not have the capacity to conduct the necessary tests, while the Canary Islands are the closest place with the necessary resources.
