Three passengers have died and multiple evacuees have been admitted to hospitals across Europe as the virus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius travels toward Spain’s Canary Islands. A key update from Philippine health authorities confirms that none of the 38 Filipino crew members on board have contracted hantavirus or developed symptoms as of May 5.
The vessel is expected to reach Tenerife within three days, with scheduled passenger evacuations set to begin on May 11. The ship departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1 carrying 88 passengers – mostly elderly amateur birdwatchers – and 59 crew members representing 23 different nationalities, including the Filipino staff.
Outbreak Timeline and Details
On April 12, the ship’s captain announced the death of a 70-year-old Dutch passenger, stating “we are not infectious” and attributing the fatality to natural causes. However, reports from those on board show that daily activities continued normally, with passengers gathering in shared spaces like buffets without wearing protective masks.
“They didn’t even consider the possibility of having such a contagious disease,” Turkish travel vlogger Ruhi Cenet, who was travelling on the ship, told AFP. “They didn’t take the problem seriously enough.”
Since the first death, two more passengers have passed away: the wife of the initial victim, who died after being evacuated to South Africa, and a German woman. The virus responsible is the Andes strain of hantavirus – the only type known to spread between humans.
Important Update: No Filipino Crew Infected
The Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) has released reassuring information regarding its nationals on board. DOH Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo stated that all Filipino crew members are being monitored, kept under isolation, and following strict quarantine protocols.
“There have been no confirmed cases of hantavirus in the Philippines so far, and our Filipino staff have not shown any symptoms,” Domingo emphasized. “The risk of infection in the Philippines remains extremely low. We are coordinating closely with international health bodies to monitor the situation and provide any necessary support.”
Authorities are also reviewing older reports of hantavirus cases in the country dating back to 1992 as part of ongoing background checks.
Evacuations and Medical Updates
Evacuation efforts have been ongoing since late April. Several patients have been moved to medical facilities: two were admitted to hospitals in the Netherlands, while one patient was transferred to Germany. Additional medical flights have landed in the Canary Islands, with other evacuees receiving treatment in South Africa and Switzerland.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least five more people connected to the ship have either confirmed or suspected cases of hantavirus. The ship’s British doctor remains in serious condition at a hospital in South Africa.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
Authorities are actively investigating how the virus spread among passengers and crew. Argentine officials are testing rodent populations in ports that the ship visited before the outbreak began, while the Netherlands’ National Institute for Public Health is leading contact tracing efforts for passengers from European countries.
The Dutch-flagged cruise ship travelled across the South Atlantic, making stops at remote locations including South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena, and areas near Antarctica. Investigators are examining whether passengers came into contact with wildlife that could have exposed them to the virus.
Understanding Hantavirus
Hantavirus is typically transmitted through contact with infected rodents. Its initial symptoms are similar to common illnesses such as dengue or leptospirosis, including fever, headaches, abdominal pain, nausea, and body aches. Early detection and medical care are critical for positive outcomes.
Upon arriving in Tenerife, all passengers will undergo full medical examinations. Foreign travellers will be repatriated as soon as their health status allows, including arrangements for the Filipino crew members once they are cleared by health authorities.
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The vessel is expected to reach Tenerife within three days, with scheduled passenger evacuations set to begin on May 11. The ship departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1 carrying 88 passengers – mostly elderly amateur birdwatchers – and 59 crew members representing 23 different nationalities, including the Filipino staff.
Outbreak Timeline and Details
On April 12, the ship’s captain announced the death of a 70-year-old Dutch passenger, stating “we are not infectious” and attributing the fatality to natural causes. However, reports from those on board show that daily activities continued normally, with passengers gathering in shared spaces like buffets without wearing protective masks.
“They didn’t even consider the possibility of having such a contagious disease,” Turkish travel vlogger Ruhi Cenet, who was travelling on the ship, told AFP. “They didn’t take the problem seriously enough.”
Since the first death, two more passengers have passed away: the wife of the initial victim, who died after being evacuated to South Africa, and a German woman. The virus responsible is the Andes strain of hantavirus – the only type known to spread between humans.
Important Update: No Filipino Crew Infected
The Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) has released reassuring information regarding its nationals on board. DOH Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo stated that all Filipino crew members are being monitored, kept under isolation, and following strict quarantine protocols.
“There have been no confirmed cases of hantavirus in the Philippines so far, and our Filipino staff have not shown any symptoms,” Domingo emphasized. “The risk of infection in the Philippines remains extremely low. We are coordinating closely with international health bodies to monitor the situation and provide any necessary support.”
Authorities are also reviewing older reports of hantavirus cases in the country dating back to 1992 as part of ongoing background checks.
Evacuations and Medical Updates
Evacuation efforts have been ongoing since late April. Several patients have been moved to medical facilities: two were admitted to hospitals in the Netherlands, while one patient was transferred to Germany. Additional medical flights have landed in the Canary Islands, with other evacuees receiving treatment in South Africa and Switzerland.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least five more people connected to the ship have either confirmed or suspected cases of hantavirus. The ship’s British doctor remains in serious condition at a hospital in South Africa.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
Authorities are actively investigating how the virus spread among passengers and crew. Argentine officials are testing rodent populations in ports that the ship visited before the outbreak began, while the Netherlands’ National Institute for Public Health is leading contact tracing efforts for passengers from European countries.
The Dutch-flagged cruise ship travelled across the South Atlantic, making stops at remote locations including South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena, and areas near Antarctica. Investigators are examining whether passengers came into contact with wildlife that could have exposed them to the virus.
Understanding Hantavirus
Hantavirus is typically transmitted through contact with infected rodents. Its initial symptoms are similar to common illnesses such as dengue or leptospirosis, including fever, headaches, abdominal pain, nausea, and body aches. Early detection and medical care are critical for positive outcomes.
Upon arriving in Tenerife, all passengers will undergo full medical examinations. Foreign travellers will be repatriated as soon as their health status allows, including arrangements for the Filipino crew members once they are cleared by health authorities.
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