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Photo: @srbija_eu/X

Madrid, May 6: The Spanish Health Ministry announced via social media that Spain will accept the MV Hondius, a vessel linked to hantavirus cases, in the Canary Islands, adhering to international humanitarian principles.

As per the statement released on Tuesday (local time), the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the European Union, has urged Spain to accommodate the ship, which is currently near Cape Verde, where hantavirus infections were reported during its journey.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is actively assessing the onboard situation to identify individuals needing immediate evacuation from Cape Verde. The remaining passengers and crew members will proceed to the Canary Islands, with an expected arrival in three to four days. The exact port of entry has yet to be determined, according to reports.

Upon reaching the Canary Islands, all passengers and crew will undergo medical evaluations and will be managed through specially designated facilities and transport systems to ensure minimal contact with the local population. These protocols are in line with the WHO and ECDC's established case and contact management guidelines, ensuring safety measures are in place.

The Spanish authorities indicated that more information will be shared once the WHO and ECDC finalize their operational strategy, with updates provided as the situation evolves.

Late Tuesday, Dutch cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed that two crew members from the MV Hondius, suspected of having hantavirus, along with another individual linked to a guest who died on Saturday, will be evacuated to the Netherlands, although a specific timeline has not been disclosed.

The Spanish statement clarified that Cape Verde does not have the necessary resources for this operation, making the Canary Islands the closest viable option. Additionally, the Spanish government has agreed to a request from the Dutch authorities to transport a critically ill doctor from the vessel to the Canary Islands via medical aircraft.