Four German passengers from the cruise ship Hondius, affected by a Hantavirus outbreak, landed in the Netherlands on Sunday evening. They will be taken to Frankfurt and then placed in home quarantine.
The ship had entered the port of Granadilla on Tenerife early on Sunday morning. About 150 people from 23 countries were on board, including six Germans. Spanish Health Minister Mónica García confirmed that all passengers and crew members were without symptoms.
According to the World Health Organization, there are six confirmed Hantavirus cases and two suspected cases. Three people have died: a Dutch couple and a German woman. The WHO assumes the infection originated from the couple in Argentina.
The evacuation is taking place in several flights. After the Germans, further passengers from other countries will follow. The Hondius will then continue its journey to Rotterdam, where disinfection and the transfer of a body are to take place.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that this is not a new Covid and the risk to the population is low.
