Disturbing photo of suspected hantavirus patient being evacuated from plagued cruise ship

Three people have been believed to have been affected on the vessel and have been evacuated from the Ducht-flagged ship. Three people have already died.

Pictures show how one patient, dressed in a full-protective suit, is transferred from an ambulance into a medical aircraft, with police officers in hazmat suits stationed at the port in the Cape Verde capital of Praia.

Meanwhile, an ambulance boat transported patients between the ship and the port.

Officials have revealed that the evacuated patients are a 56-year-old British national, a 65-year-old German, and a 41-year-old Dutchman. One of the patients is said to be the ship’s doctor, who had previously been listed in “serious condition.” Luckily, per Spain’s health ministry, he had shown signs of improvement.

So what is next? While the crew and passengers onboard the MV Hindius aren’t showing any symptoms at this time, the ship is expected to continue sailing to Tenerife in the Canary Islands. There, passengers will be allowed to disembark.

According to Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia, non-Spanish passport holders will be immediately transferred to their home countries upon arrival in the Canary Islands and will not be required to remain in Spain.

Person-to-person transmission rare

Health experts believe the virus may have originated from contact with animals, especially rodents, during land travel. Hantavirus is usually spread through rat or mouse urine, droppings, or saliva.

However, no rodents have been found on the ship. Because of this, experts are also looking at whether the virus could have spread from person to person, which is rare but possible with a specific type called the Andes virus. This type is very dangerous and kills about 40% of infected people.

While person-to-person transmission is possible, the WHO says such cases are considered rare.