Spain to Receive Hantavirus-hit Ship in Canary Islands

Sedang Trending 1 jam yang lalu
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). possibilistic.org

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Spain has announced that it will receive passengers aboard the hantavirus-stricken MV Hondius "in three or four days."

The cruise ship has been moored off the coast of Cape Verde for two days after the hantavirus was detected. Three passengers have died and several other passengers are suspected to have the virus.

Now the ship will be allowed to dock in the Canary Islands, although Spanish authorities did not specify which port.

"Once there, the crew and passengers will be duly examined, cared for, and transferred to their respective countries," the Spanish Health Ministry said late on Tuesday

Why the Canary Islands?

Spain said it made the decision "in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles."

"The World Health Organization has explained that Cape Verde is unable to carry out this operation," the Spanish Health Ministry said.

"The Canary Islands are the closest location ‌with the necessary capabilities. Spain has a moral and legal obligation to assist these people, among whom are also several Spanish citizens."

The WHO said medical evacuation plans were underway.

The WHO's representative in Cape Verde told the AFP news agency that the ship "can continue its route" to the Netherlands after the evacuations.

Read: Understanding Hantavirus: Symptoms, Causes, and Risks

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News


Understanding Hantavirus: Symptoms, Causes, and Risks

1 hari lalu

Understanding Hantavirus: Symptoms, Causes, and Risks

Hantavirus has been making headlines, suspected as the cause of death for three people aboard an Atlantic cruise ship.


Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Leaves 3 Dead, Several Ill

1 hari lalu

Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Leaves 3 Dead, Several Ill

A suspected outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has left three people dead and several others seriously ill.