Cruise Outbreak
Three passengers of a cruise ship now docked in the Canary Islands are dead after contracting hantavirus, and another eight are either positive or suspected positive for the virus and have been flown to their respective countries for quarantining. Dozens of additional evacuated passengers will also be tested and monitored under quarantine until deemed safe to release. The cruise embarked on April 1, and the first fatality occurred on April 11. Officials say that while the risk of further spread is low and early detection improves the survivability rate, there is no known cure for hantavirus.
Analysis and eternal perspective: This is the first known outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship, but it seems fair to conclude that stories of viral outbreaks garner more attention in the post-COVID world. Any news of quarantines and other precautionary measures remind us of all-too-vivid and recent experiences—both of loss of life and restriction of freedom.
As is our custom, we first pause to lift in prayer those who are directly impacted. God, be close to the broken-hearted who have lost loved ones. Wrap your loving arms around them. Be also with those who are sick and suffering. Touch their bodies and restore them. Above all, minister to their inner beings and call them to Your side.
Next, be of good courage (Josh. 1:9)! It is easy to let the emotional scar tissue of recent years cause us to fear, but our God has called us to lifted minds and spirits! This is not a head-in-the-sand mindset, but rather one specifically informed by the truth that there is nothing in this world that can rob us of eternal life in Him (Matt. 6:19-21).
So pray for those impacted and take heart, because your God has overcome the world (Jn. 16:33)!