Tenerife port home to scenes of worry and relief as people leave hantavirus ship
CNN • • general
Key Points:
- Since early morning, a small boat has been ferrying passengers from the MV Hondius to the Port of Granadilla, ending their five-week ordeal at sea amid a hantavirus outbreak on board.
- Spanish health authorities have ensured strict safety protocols, with military and health personnel managing passenger transfers in full hazmat suits to prevent virus spread.
- The World Health Organization clarified that this Andes strain of hantavirus transmits only through close contact with symptomatic individuals, differing significantly from COVID-19.
- The cruise, carrying 23 nationalities and originally meant for Antarctic exploration, has attracted significant international media attention due to fears surrounding the virus.
- Passengers are now on dry land but face mandatory quarantine and isolation for at least six weeks as countries enforce their own health protocols.
