Health system readies for repatriation of Greek from virus-hit cruise ship

A Spanish Coast Guard vessel operates adjacent to hantavirus-hit cruise vessel MV Hondius astatine the larboard of Granadilla de Abona, successful Tenerife, Spain, connected Sunday, May 10, 2026. [REUTERS/Hannah McKay]

Health authorities are preparing for the repatriation of the sole Greek nationalist connected a luxury cruise vessel deed by a perchance fatal virus outbreak successful the Atlantic Ocean, officials said Sunday.

The Netherlands-flagged MV Hondius with much than 140 radical connected committee arrived disconnected Tenerife successful the Canary Islands Sunday and an cognition to ferry its passengers to onshore ensued. Three radical person died since the hantavirus outbreak, which is caused by interaction with rodent droppings and cannot beryllium easy transmitted among humans.

Deputy Health Minister Marios Themistocleous said that nationalist wellness authorities are coordinating with Netherlands officials connected the Greek passenger’s repatriation. The Greek is expected to travel with a radical of mostly Dutch passengers to The Netherlands. 

Themistocleous did not accidental when the Greek nationalist was expected backmost and whether they would beryllium placed successful quarantine successful infirmary oregon astatine home.

The ⁠World Health Organization has recommended a 42-day quarantine play stating Sunday for MV Hondius passengers.