You have likely seen the accounts regarding the MV Hondius and the 140+ passengers still on board. Sitting at my desk here in Millsap, there is no way for me to fully understand the fear, loss, and uncertainty of those impacted.
Part of my job as your travel advisor is to keep you informed about the industry — and how it currently and potentially could impact your plans.
To catch you up, below you'll find a timeline of events to date.
From what I understand about hantavirus and this specific strain:
It is carried by rodents and primarily transmitted through contact with infected animal urine, feces, or saliva
not airborne transmission
The Andes strain is the only known hantavirus capable of human-to-human transmission, and that spread is rare
Those infected typically infect fewer than one other person on average
The World Health Organization's current global risk assessment is low
The response from authorities has been organized and methodical:
The MV Hondius is arriving in Tenerife today for a full passenger evacuation
Passengers are being processed by nationality and transferred directly to flights home with no contact with the local population
As of this morning, none of the 17 Americans aboard have tested positive
The CDC has confirmed no mandatory quarantine for returning American passengers
Returning Americans will be evaluated on arrival and monitor for symptoms at home for 42 days
The WHO Director-General is personally on site in Tenerife coordinating the evacuation
Practical Application
It's only human to want to feel in control of a situation — and taking action is one way to find that comfort.
My gut and my experience tell me that outside of the planning I already do with every client, the one tangible action available to you is making a decision about travel protection that fits your specific situation.
If you feel like you need to do something right now about one of your trips, let's talk. We can text, chat, or hop on a call.
That's a conversation I'm always ready to have
Billy Miller is the founder of Miller Travel Group, an independent travel agency based in Millsap, Texas. He has sailed more than 60 times across multiple cruise lines and resort destinations. Cruises are a big part of what he does — which is exactly why he's paying attention to this one.