American passengers from the cruise ship MV Hondius, linked to a hantavirus outbreak, began evacuation flights from Tenerife, Spain, on Sunday night. Seventeen Americans and an 18th evacuee, a British citizen living in the U.S., will be flown to the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center for monitoring. Following this, they will be assessed and supported based on their symptoms.
The ship had previously been anchored off the Canary Islands for evacuation after reports of hantavirus cases, including three fatalities. Passengers were disembarked in small groups for safety, and medical teams had set up in Granadilla port for their arrival. Local health authorities are ensuring appropriate quarantine measures for various nationalities returning home.
The World Health Organization confirmed six hantavirus cases, urging that the public health risk remains low. Passengers were informed about the isolation protocols, which may last up to 42 days to monitor for any developing symptoms, especially among older adults, who are at higher risk. While the ship will continue its journey, the deceased passengers’ remains will be handled in the Netherlands.
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