Tenerife, May 11: The evacuation of passengers and crew from the MV Hondius, a cruise ship affected by hantavirus infection, is underway in Spain. Javier Padilla, the country’s health secretary, announced that more than 90 individuals are expected to be safely evacuated. He shared updates via social media, confirming that the evacuation operation is proceeding as planned, with citizens from various countries being sent to their destinations.
According to a video released by Spain’s Ministry of Home Affairs’ Civil Protection and Emergency branch, by Sunday afternoon, 49 passengers and crew members from 14 different countries had been successfully evacuated. Authorities reported that citizens from the UK, Turkey, France, Ireland, and the USA were among those evacuated by late Sunday. Officials anticipate that the total number of evacuees will exceed 90.
The final evacuation flight is scheduled to depart on Monday, carrying Australian citizens. Meanwhile, the Netherlands is preparing to send a special “sweep flight” to repatriate individuals who have not yet been able to return to their country.
In the meantime, the World Health Organization (WHO) has shared important information regarding hantavirus. According to the WHO, hantavirus is a zoonotic virus typically found in rodents, such as mice, and can occasionally spread to humans. This infection can lead to severe illness and, in some cases, death.
The WHO noted that in the United States, this virus causes Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS), which rapidly affects the lungs and heart. In Europe and Asia, it leads to Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), damaging the kidneys and blood vessels.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for this disease, but timely medical care and continuous monitoring can save patients’ lives. The WHO emphasized that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid contact with infected rodents.
Experts warn that the virus can spread through contact with the urine, saliva, or feces of infected mice. Additionally, cleaning in enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces, working in agriculture, or sleeping in areas infested with rodents can increase the risk of infection.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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