{"id":21178,"date":"2026-05-11T10:19:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T10:19:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/21178\/"},"modified":"2026-05-11T10:19:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T10:19:17","slug":"two-indian-crew-members-quarantined-after-hantavirus-scare-on-cruise-ship-near-spain-the-south-first","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/21178\/","title":{"rendered":"Two Indian crew members quarantined after Hantavirus scare on cruise ship near Spain – The South First"},"content":{"rendered":"

The incident has once again drawn attention to Hantavirus, even as experts maintain that the overall public health risk remains low.
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Published May 11, 2026 | 2:58 PM \u268a Updated May 11, 2026 | 2:58 PM<\/p>\n


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Representational image. Credit: iStock<\/p>\n

Synopsis: Two Indian crew members aboard the Dutch vessel MV Hondius were evacuated to the Netherlands for quarantine after a Hantavirus concern near Spain\u2019s Canary Islands. Both remain healthy and asymptomatic, according to the Indian Embassy. Experts stress the overall public health risk is low, as Hantavirus is rodent-borne, rarely spreads person-to-person, and prevention relies on sanitation and pest control.<\/p>\n

Two Indian crew members aboard the Dutch-flagged vessel MV Hondius have been evacuated to the Netherlands for quarantine after the ship arrived near Spain\u2019s Canary Islands amid concerns linked to Hantavirus outbreak, according to a press release issued by the Embassy of India.<\/p>\n

The ship, carrying around 150 people including the two Indian crew members, stopped near Spain\u2019s Canary Islands on Saturday.<\/p>\n

The Embassy said passengers onboard disembarked \u201cin accordance with the protocol established by WHO and Spanish authorities\u201d following the Hantavirus-related health concern.<\/p>\n

The Embassy said the two Indian crew members are \u201chealthy and asymptomatic.\u201d It added that, according to Spain\u2019s emergency coordination agency CENEM, the two Indians have been taken to the Netherlands for quarantine as a precautionary health measure.<\/p>\n

Also Read: \u2018This is not the next Covid,\u2019 Dr Rajeev Jayadevan on the Andes hantavirus outbreak aboard MV Hondius<\/a><\/p>\n

Embassy monitoring situation closely<\/p>\n

The Embassy also said the Indian Ambassador is \u201cin close contact with the Spanish authorities and the 02 Indian nationals\u201d and is regularly monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew members.<\/p>\n

No further health complications involving the Indian nationals have been reported so far.<\/p>\n

The incident has once again drawn attention to Hantavirus infections, even as experts maintain that the overall public health risk remains low.<\/p>\n

Dr. Nidhin Mohan, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, explained to South First that Hantavirus is a group of viruses mainly transmitted through infected rodents, particularly through their urine, saliva, or droppings.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople can become infected by inhaling contaminated particles in the air, especially in places with poor ventilation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

What experts say about infection<\/p>\n

According to Dr. Mohan, some strains of the virus can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a serious respiratory illness, while others may affect kidney function.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlthough cases are rare, the infection can become severe if not recognized early,\u201d he noted. Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, body aches, and breathing difficulty after exposure to rodents or contaminated areas.<\/p>\n

He stressed that there is currently no indication of a major Hantavirus outbreak threat in India. However, he pointed out that rodent-borne infections can occur anywhere if sanitation and pest control are poor.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndia has a large rural and urban population that may come into contact with rodents, so monitoring and awareness are crucial,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

The doctor also underlined that most strains of Hantavirus do not spread easily from person to person, significantly reducing the risk of widespread transmission.<\/p>\n

Also Read: Hantavirus outbreak sparks concern, experts say India faces low risk<\/a><\/p>\n

Prevention and treatment<\/p>\n

According to Dr. Nidhin Mohan, people can reduce the risk of Hantavirus infection by following simple hygiene and safety measures:<\/p>\n

\u25cf Avoid contact with rodents and keep homes and storage spaces clean.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Store food properly and do not directly touch rodent urine or droppings.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Wear gloves and masks while cleaning places that may be contaminated, and air out closed spaces before cleaning them.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Good sanitation and pest control are the best ways to reduce the risk of infection.<\/p>\n

\u25cf There is currently no specific treatment for Hantavirus, so early medical care is important, especially if symptoms become severe.<\/p>\n

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