The president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, has rejected the Spanish government's decision to bring the hantavirus-affected cruise ship MV Hondius to the archipelago. The vessel is currently anchored off Praia, Cabo Verde.
Clavijo called the decision an improvisation, stating there is insufficient information on the outbreak's extent. He questioned why patients cannot be treated in Praia.
The World Health Organization reports 147 passengers and crew aboard, with seven cases linked to the outbreak: two confirmed and five suspected. There have been three deaths, one patient in critical condition, and three with mild symptoms. South African authorities have detected the Andean variant, which is transmitted between humans.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus assessed the risk to the general population as low. The WHO appealed to Spain on humanitarian grounds, noting Cabo Verde lacks capacity for such an operation.
Spain has also agreed to transfer the ship's doctor, who is in serious condition, via medical plane. Clavijo has called for a meeting with Spanish President Pedro Sánchez and Health Minister Mónica García, warning the decision does not convey peace of mind.
Cabo Verde confirmed the arrival of one ambulance plane to evacuate three affected individuals. A second plane and a specialist doctor are expected.