Manila: Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced that all 38 Filipino seafarers on the cruise ship MV Hondius have been cleared of the hantavirus, despite an outbreak on the vessel that resulted in the deaths of three passengers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac addressed the media at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, stating that the Filipino crew members are under close observation by the Philippine government. He reported that the ship is currently near the Canary Islands and has been permitted to dock with the 38 Filipino crew members remaining on board.

Cacdac elaborated that none of the Filipino crew members have contracted the hantavirus. "They were not affected by the hantavirus. However, we continue to monitor their situation," he emphasized. The outbreak primarily affected passengers, with three fatalities reported since the ship departed from Argentina a month ago. Some passengers have been evacuated and hospitalized.

He assured that the Philippine government, including the DMW, Department of Foreign Affairs, and Department of Health (DOH), under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive, is working closely with international health authorities, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), to manage the situation. The DMW and DOH are in direct contact with the seafarers through the ship's manning agency and owner, and support is being provided to the families of the 38 crew members.

Cacdac mentioned that although some crew members wish to return home, their repatriation will be contingent on passing strict medical clearance procedures in line with international health protocols. Efforts are underway to ensure their safe return, but patience is necessary as adherence to global health standards is crucial.

The WHO indicated that the hantavirus victims aboard the ship might have been infected before embarking on the cruise, and human-to-human transmission during the voyage cannot be excluded.