Indian crew members shifted to Netherlands after cruise ship hantavirus scare

Two Indian crew members aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise vessel MV Hondius are safe and showing no symptoms after a hantavirus scare prompted health monitoring measures near Spain's Canary Islands, the Indian Embassy in Madrid confirmed on Sunday, per a Times of India report.

The cruise ship, carrying nearly 150 people, arrived in Spanish waters amid concerns linked to a reported hantavirus outbreak onboard. Authorities allowed passengers to disembark after following health and safety protocols laid down by the World Health Organisation and Spanish authorities.

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Indian crew members shifted to Netherlands

According to the Indian Embassy, the two Indian nationals working as crew members on the vessel have been evacuated to the Netherlands. They are expected to remain under quarantine and observation as part of standard health precautions.

"The two Indian nationals are healthy and asymptomatic," the Embassy said in a statement issued on May 10, the TOI report stated.

Officials added that Indian authorities are maintaining regular contact with Spanish authorities and closely tracking developments related to the case.

"The embassy added that Indian authorities are in close touch with Spanish officials and are regularly monitoring the situation to ensure the well-being and safety of the Indian nationals."

What is hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a rodent-borne viral infection that can, in rare cases, lead to serious respiratory illness in humans. The virus is generally transmitted through contact with infected rodents or exposure to their droppings, saliva or urine.

The incident involving the cruise ship has drawn international attention, prompting precautionary monitoring measures by European health agencies. However, health experts have indicated that there is currently no immediate public health concern for India.

International monitoring underway

The MV Hondius case comes at a time when global health agencies remain cautious about infectious disease outbreaks linked to international travel and cruise tourism.

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Spanish authorities and health agencies are continuing to monitor the situation while ensuring that quarantine and screening procedures are followed for those onboard. No further health complications involving the two Indian crew members have been reported so far.