New Delhi/Tanerif, May 6 (IANS). The world is concerned about the death due to suspected Hantavirus infection and the deteriorating health of the passengers on the luxury cruise MV Hondius returning from South Antarctica. Meanwhile, Spain’s Health Ministry plans to bring the ship safely to Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The plan is ready but meanwhile the Canary Island administration has lodged an objection. Apprehensions have been expressed regarding the spread of infection.
The 107-meter-long Ice-class expedition ship, carrying 149 passengers and 59 crew members, departed from Tierra del Fuego, Argentina on March 20. There were people from 23 countries on board, including 14 Spanish citizens. After a visit to the Antarctic region between 20 March and 1 April, the ship returned to Ushuaia and then headed for remote areas of the South Atlantic.
The first signs of illness during the trip emerged on April 6, when a 70-year-old Dutch passenger complained of fever, headache, stomach pain and diarrhea. He died on April 11 as his condition worsened. After this, other passengers including his wife also started falling ill.
A German woman also died on 2 May. On the same day, Hantavirus infection was confirmed in a British traveler in South Africa, further deepening the apprehension.
In this entire matter, the World Health Organization and the European Union together requested the Spanish government to bring the ship safely to the Canary Islands. Also, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control is closely investigating this entire situation, so that it can be decided which people need immediate medical evacuation.
The Spanish government then planned that all Spanish citizens would be quarantined in a military hospital in Madrid, while other passengers would be sent to their respective countries.
However, the Canary Islands administration has objected to this decision. Regional leader Fernando Clavijo says that if travelers are not seriously ill, they could be flown directly to their countries from other locations rather than being brought to the islands.
Claviho has strongly opposed the central government’s plan to land in the islands, deepening the political dispute between Madrid and the local administration.
Claviho said Wednesday he would hold an emergency meeting with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. He criticized Madrid’s decision, saying it was taken without ‘technical criteria’ and adequate transparency. “We will do everything possible to prevent the ship from coming to the Canary Islands. The regional administration has not provided us with enough information to ensure public safety,” he said.
In an interview with Spanish radio station OHN-DAH THEH-ROH, he said: “We have no official documents or information from the government. Without information, I cannot allow the ship to enter the Canary Islands, because we do not know what we are facing.”
In addition, he also wrote on the social media platform
At present the vessel is anchored near Praia and is awaiting further instructions. The situation on board the ship is said to be under control and the morale of the passengers is stable. Health agencies are now focusing on identifying the source of the infection and preventing further spread, so as to ensure the safe return of passengers.
–IANS
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