THE HAGUE: Nations around the world on Monday repatriated passengers from a cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak and quarantined or isolated them, including a French woman and an American who tested positive.
Evacuation and Repatriation Efforts
Passengers from the ship began flying home aboard military and government planes Sunday after the MV Hondius anchored in the Canary Islands. Personnel in full-body protective gear and breathing masks escorted the travellers from ship to shore in Tenerife, an effort that continued Monday. The repatriation involved passengers from more than 20 countries, with the operation expected to conclude on Monday.
Confirmed Cases and Deaths
Three cruise ship passengers have died, and there are at least six confirmed hantavirus cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The lab results of the American who tested positive were inconclusive, WHO spokesperson Sarah Tyler said Monday. Health authorities emphasize that the risk to the broader public is low from this first-ever hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship. While there is no cure or vaccine for hantavirus, the WHO notes that early detection and treatment improve survival rates.
The ship's captain, Jan Dobrogowski, issued a video message Monday praising passengers and crew for their perseverance and calling for respect for their privacy.
French Passenger's Condition
The French woman tested positive for hantavirus and her health worsened in the hospital overnight, French Health Minister Stephanie Rist said Monday. The woman was among five French passengers repatriated on Sunday. She developed symptoms on the flight to Paris, Rist told public broadcaster France-Inter. French authorities are monitoring her condition closely.
US Passengers in Quarantine
One of 18 passengers evacuated from the ship and flown to Nebraska also tested positive for the hantavirus but is not showing any symptoms, and another had mild symptoms, US health officials said late Sunday. After landing in Nebraska early Monday, the American passengers were taken to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which has a federally funded quarantine facility. Once there, they were being assessed to determine whether they have been in close contact with any symptomatic people and their risk levels for spreading the virus.
Remaining Passengers and Crew
On Monday, 54 passengers and crew remained on the ship, of which 22 were expected to disembark, while the remaining 32 will stay on the ship as it returns to the Netherlands. The WHO and local health authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide support as needed.
