Spain has authorized the MV Hondius, a cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, to dock in Tenerife in the Canary Islands. However, the regional government of the Canary Islands has strongly objected to the move, citing safety concerns and a lack of technical justification.

Fernando Clavijo, the regional president, said the decision was made without sufficient information to guarantee public safety. He questioned why passengers could not be evacuated from Cape Verde, where the ship is currently anchored, and demanded an urgent meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

The MV Hondius has been anchored off Cape Verde after three passengers died from hantavirus. Several others are ill, and South African health authorities have identified the Andes strain of the virus, which can be transmitted between humans through close contact.

Spain's Health Ministry stated that all passengers and crew will be examined, treated, and repatriated once the ship docks. The decision was based on international law and humanitarian principles, as Cape Verde lacks the capacity to handle the situation. The Canary Islands are the nearest location with adequate facilities.

Hantavirus is a rodent-borne disease that typically causes flu-like symptoms and can be fatal. Infection occurs primarily through inhalation of dust contaminated with rodent urine or feces. The Andes strain, common in South America, is one of the few that can spread from person to person, though such transmission is rare.

Source: www.dw.com