The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that some passengers aboard a cruise ship stricken by the deadly hantavirus were "facing mental breakdown." Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the remarks during a press briefing on Tuesday, emphasising that it would have been "inhumane" to keep the individuals confined to the vessel rather than permitting it to dock in Tenerife, where repatriation efforts were subsequently organised.
Repatriation of British Nationals
All 20 British nationals from the MV Hondius, along with a German who is a UK resident and a Japanese passenger, were flown from Tenerife to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral on Sunday. The group is being housed at the hospital for three days before being allowed to return home to complete a further 42-day isolation period. Those unable to return home will be placed in alternative accommodation to serve out the quarantine.
WHO's Call for Compassion
Dr Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the WHO, stressed the need for kindness and compassion towards those affected. "Almost 150 people from 23 countries were on this ship for weeks, in what must have been a very frightening situation," he said. "Some of the passengers were facing mental breakdown. They have the right to be treated with dignity and compassion." He noted that there were calls globally to keep passengers on the ship for the full quarantine period, but the WHO deemed this "inhumane" and "unnecessary," describing the suggestion as "cruel."
The WHO leader praised Spain's prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, for allowing the ship to dock in the Canary Islands. "For the past week, Spain and WHO have worked together closely under Spain's leadership, along with the government of the Netherlands and the ship's operator, to coordinate and execute the operation that took place over the past two days," he stated. He added that Spain not only met its legal duty under international law but also exercised its moral duty to show solidarity, compassion, and kindness.
Hantavirus Cases and Outbreak Status
To date, 11 hantavirus cases have been reported among those on the cruise, including three deaths. Nine of these are confirmed, with two considered probable. Dr Adhanom Ghebreyesus assured that "at the moment, there is no sign that we are seeing the start of a larger outbreak," though he cautioned that the situation could change given the virus's long incubation period, and more cases may emerge in the coming weeks.
Captain's Message of Gratitude
In a video message on Monday, ship captain Jan Dobrogowski thanked passengers and crew, acknowledging the immense challenges of the past few weeks. "What touched me the most, what moved me the most, was your patience, your discipline, and also the kindness that you showed to each other throughout," he said. He commended the crew's courage and selfless resolve, adding that their thoughts remain with those who lost their lives. "Whatever I say will not ease this loss. I'd like you to know they are with us every day, in our hearts and our thoughts."
Other Cases and Medical Updates
A French woman who tested positive for hantavirus is in intensive care in stable condition at a Paris hospital. One of 18 evacuated passengers flown to the US has also tested positive but remains asymptomatic, while another experienced mild symptoms. A British man with hantavirus is still being treated in Johannesburg and is thought to be improving, while another is in the Netherlands. Additionally, a British national with hantavirus is isolating at his home on the remote South Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha.
