11 May,2026 01:42 PM IST | Tenerife | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/AFP
Spanish authorities have launched a large-scale evacuation operation for passengers and crew members aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius following a hantavirus-related health scare, with more than 90 people expected to be evacuated by the end of Sunday, reported IANS.
According to Javier Padilla, Spain's Secretary of State for health, the evacuation process has been progressing as planned, with authorities coordinating the safe transfer of passengers and crew from multiple countries, reported IANS.
Padilla shared updates regarding the operation through social media, stating that evacuation flights and repatriation efforts were continuing throughout the day.
A video released by the Spanish Interior Ministry's General Secretariat for Civil Protection and Emergencies showed that 49 passengers and crew members from 14 different countries had already been evacuated by Sunday afternoon after the operation began earlier in the day, reported IANS.
Officials said passengers and crew members from Britain, Turkey, France, Ireland and the United States were among those scheduled for evacuation later on Sunday, reported IANS.
According to Spanish authorities, the total number of evacuees is expected to cross 90 by the end of the day as repatriation operations continue, reported IANS.
The final evacuation flight is currently expected to depart on Monday and will transport Australian nationals back home.
Authorities in the Netherlands are also planning a special "sweep flight" to evacuate passengers and crew members who have not yet been repatriated by their respective countries, reported IANS.
According to the World Health Organization, hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses that naturally infect rodents and can occasionally spread to humans.
Health experts warn that hantavirus infections can lead to severe illness and, in some cases, death. The severity and symptoms of the disease vary depending on the strain of the virus and geographical region.
In the Americas, hantavirus infections are known to cause Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS), a serious disease affecting the lungs and heart.
In Europe and Asia, hantaviruses are more commonly associated with Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), which primarily impacts the kidneys and blood vessels.
The World Health Organization has stated that there is currently no specific cure for hantavirus diseases. However, early supportive medical care and close monitoring can significantly improve survival rates.
Treatment generally focuses on managing complications involving the respiratory system, heart and kidneys.
Medical authorities emphasise that early diagnosis and immediate hospital care are critical, particularly in severe cases where breathing difficulties or organ complications develop rapidly.
Health experts say hantavirus infections are usually transmitted to humans through contact with urine, saliva or droppings from infected rodents.
People may also become infected while cleaning poorly ventilated enclosed spaces contaminated by rodents or through activities such as farming, forestry work and staying in rodent-infested areas.
Although less common, infection can also occur through rodent bites.
The incident aboard the MV Hondius has once again highlighted concerns regarding infectious disease management on international travel routes and the importance of rapid response measures during potential outbreaks.
Spanish authorities have not yet released detailed information regarding the number of confirmed hantavirus cases aboard the ship or the current health status of all affected passengers and crew members.
The evacuation effort involves coordination between Spanish emergency authorities, foreign governments and health agencies to safely transport passengers to their home countries.
Officials said additional medical assessments and monitoring are expected to continue after passengers arrive in their respective countries.
The situation remains under close observation as authorities work to complete evacuation and repatriation procedures over the next 24 hours.
(With inputs from IANS)
