NEW DELHI: Two Indian crew members aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise vessel MV Hondius are healthy and asymptomatic after a hantavirus scare led the ship to anchor off Spain’s Canary Islands, the Indian Embassy in Madrid said on Sunday.
The vessel, carrying around 150 people, arrived in Spain amid international health monitoring linked to a reported hantavirus outbreak onboard. Passengers were allowed to disembark following protocols laid down by the World Health Organization and Spanish authorities.
According to the embassy, the two Indians, who were working as crew members on the ship, have now been evacuated to the Netherlands where they will undergo quarantine and health monitoring as per safety protocols.
“The two Indian nationals are healthy and asymptomatic,” the embassy said in a statement issued on May 10.
The embassy added that Indian authorities are in close touch with Spanish officials and are regularly monitoring the situation to ensure the well-being and safety of the Indian nationals.
The development comes amid heightened global attention on hantavirus infections after reports linked to the cruise vessel triggered precautionary measures by European health agencies.
Understanding Hantavirus
Hantavirus is a rodent-borne viral disease that can, in rare cases, cause severe respiratory illness. Experts have said there is no immediate public health concern for India at present.
The Indian Embassy in Madrid has been actively coordinating with Spanish health authorities to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken. The two Indian crew members are expected to remain in quarantine in the Netherlands for a specified period before being cleared.
This incident highlights the importance of international health protocols in managing potential outbreaks on cruise ships, which often carry passengers and crew from multiple countries.
