In Canary Islands, nearing hantavirus cruise ship rekindles pandemic concerns

Cruise ship with suspected hantavirus case heads for Tenerife, reigniting pandemic-era fears over maritime quarantine protocols. | Contesto: cronaca

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• In Canary Islands, nearing hantavirus cruise ship rekindles pandemic concerns

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A cruise ship carrying 150 people is set to dock in Tenerife on Saturday despite objections from local authorities, after a suspected case of hantavirus was reported on board, raising fresh concerns about disease outbreaks at sea. The MV Hondius, which has been held offshore since the potential infection was identified, is now expected to arrive at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where health officials are preparing to screen passengers and crew. The Canary Islands government has expressed strong reservations about allowing the vessel to dock, citing the need to protect residents and the local healthcare system from a possible outbreak. However, under Spanish maritime law and international shipping regulations, the ship retains the right to seek port for medical emergencies and resupply. The standoff recalls the tense early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when cruise ships became floating symbols of contagion and diplomatic wrangling. Hantavirus is a rare but serious illness transmitted through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. It can cause severe respiratory distress and has a mortality rate of up to 38 percent in some strains. The suspected case on the Hondius has not been confirmed, and authorities have not released the identity or condition of the affected individual. Samples have been sent to a mainland laboratory for analysis, with results expected within days. The incident has sparked debate about the adequacy of health protocols on cruise ships, which often operate in international waters with limited oversight. The MV Hondius, operated by the Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions, specializes in polar voyages and had been on a repositioning cruise before the health scare emerged. Passengers are reportedly in good spirits but anxious about potential delays and quarantine measures. Local officials in the Canary Islands have urged the Spanish central government to impose stricter controls on incoming vessels, especially those with reported infections. The region, heavily dependent on tourism, has been working to rebuild its image as a safe destination after the pandemic. A full-scale outbreak on a cruise ship could deal a severe blow to...

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Categoria: cronaca