New Delhi: Amid growing international concern over a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the Dutch research vessel MV Hondius, two Indian nationals working as crew members were removed from the ship after it arrived in Spain on Sunday.
The two Indian crew members have since been sent to Netherlands for mandatory quarantine under medical supervision.
Indian Embassy monitoring situation closely
The Indian Embassy in Madrid confirmed that both Indian nationals were “healthy and asymptomatic”, even as Spanish authorities enforced strict international health protocols after the vessel arrived carrying nearly 150 passengers and crew members.
According to Spain’s National Centre for Emergency Monitoring and Coordination, all passengers were allowed to disembark after health and safety procedures were followed.
The two Indian crew members, however, were later transferred to the Netherlands, where they will remain in quarantine as per prescribed medical guidelines.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Indian Embassy said it is in constant touch with Spanish authorities and the crew members to ensure their safety and well-being.
“The Embassy is in close contact with Spanish authorities and the two Indian nationals and is regularly monitoring the situation,” the statement said.
Global concern over hantavirus cases
The incident comes at a time when health agencies worldwide are closely monitoring reports linked to hantavirus.
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially dangerous disease primarily spread through rodents, especially through contact with infected rodents or their droppings.
Health experts say the disease remains uncommon but can become serious in some cases, prompting authorities to adopt precautionary quarantine and monitoring measures following suspected exposures.
