The three Asturians aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, affected by a hantavirus outbreak, are not showing symptoms and are considered non-close contacts according to the Minister of Health, Concepción Saavedra. Among them is Daniel López-Velasco, son of scientist Carlos López Otín. The ship is heading to Tenerife for its arrival on Sunday, and on Monday the transfer of the Spaniards to the Gómez Ulla Hospital in Madrid is expected to carry out the corresponding isolation.
Isolation logistics: from the high seas to a reference hospital 🚑
The health protocol activated for those affected involves a controlled transfer from Tenerife to Madrid. The use of the Gómez Ulla Hospital, a reference center for infectious diseases, guarantees safe isolation and constant monitoring. The decision not to consider the Asturians as close contacts reduces the risk of contagion but requires maintaining prevention measures. This logistical process, coordinated between the Principality and the Ministry of Health, seeks to prevent the spread of the virus in Spanish territory while the health status of the crew members is evaluated.
The cruise of horrors: hantavirus instead of a cocktail on deck 🛳️
Those who were going to enjoy a cruise across the Atlantic have encountered a hantavirus outbreak, which is not exactly the type of virus one expects to bring back as a souvenir. The Asturians, at least, are in good condition and without symptoms, which gives them a direct pass to the hospital instead of the ship's disco. Thank goodness the trip includes air transfer and first-class isolation, because the pool and buffet will be considered a loss. Of course, next time someone says they're going on a cruise, it's better to ask if the menu includes hantavirus or just shrimp.