GUWAHATI: Two Indian nationals aboard the Dutch-flagged vessel MV Hondius are safe and showing no symptoms after the ship was linked to a suspected Hantavirus outbreak near Spain’s Canary Islands, according to a statement issued by the Embassy of India in Madrid on Sunday, May 10.
The vessel, carrying nearly 150 people including passengers and crew members, arrived off the Spanish coast amid increased surveillance following concerns related to the viral outbreak. The passengers onboard disembarked from the ship, in accordance with the protocol established by World Health Organisation (WHO) and Spanish authorities.
Officials confirmed that the two Indian nationals, who were serving as crew members on the vessel, are currently healthy and asymptomatic. The Spanish National Centre for Emergency Monitoring and Coordination (CENEM) has facilitated their transfer to the Netherlands, where they will undergo quarantine and observation as part of standard preventive measures.
The Indian Embassy in Madrid said it remains in regular contact with Spanish authorities as well as the Indian crew members to closely monitor the situation and ensure their safety and well-being.