Spain Confirms Hantavirus Cruise Ship Passengers Show No Symptoms

(MENAFN) All individuals aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius — the vessel at the center of a hantavirus scare — are currently showing no signs of infection, Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia announced Wednesday.

Garcia addressed reporters at a dedicated press conference, confirming that three individuals suspected of contracting the virus — among them the ship's own physician, a British national who had been listed in critical condition — had been airlifted to the Netherlands to receive medical care.

The Dutch-operated vessel is expected to make port at Granadilla in southern Tenerife, close to the island's international airport, once the medical evacuation is fully concluded, Garcia added.

Upon the ship's arrival, Spanish authorities will activate a structured mechanism to facilitate the medical screening and repatriation of all passengers on board.

"Unless their medical condition prevents it, all passengers will be repatriated to their countries through a civil protection mechanism," she said.

Garcia gave a separate account of the situation facing the 14 Spanish nationals aboard, stating they would be subject to thorough medical evaluations before being transferred to Madrid via military aircraft. Upon arrival, they are set to enter quarantine at the Gomez Ulla military hospital.

The MV Hondius, a polar expedition cruise vessel, has drawn international concern following the emergence of the hantavirus cluster, prompting a coordinated multi-country response involving Spanish, Dutch, and British authorities.

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