Passengers of the cruise liner MV Hondius, which experienced an outbreak of hantavirus, have begun returning home from the Canary Islands via military and government aircraft. The vessel docked on the island of Tenerife, where the evacuation was carried out by medics and rescuers in protective suits and respirators. This was reported by the Associated Press, according to UNN.
Details
Passengers from Spain were the first to leave the liner. They were transported to Madrid and then moved to a military hospital. Later, a plane with French passengers arrived in Paris, where it was met by ambulances.
The evacuation of citizens from more than 20 countries is expected to continue until Monday.
Infection cases recorded on board
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reported that one of the five French passengers developed symptoms of the disease during the flight.
Everyone has been strictly isolated, after which they must undergo testing
Earlier, representatives of the Spanish Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization, and Oceanwide Expeditions reported that hantavirus symptoms had not been detected in more than 140 people on board.
According to medical data, three people have died since the start of the outbreak, and five other passengers who had previously left the ship have become infected with the virus.
WHO urged not to panic
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the risk to the general population remains low.
This is not another COVID. And the risk to the population is low. So they should not be afraid and should not panic
During the evacuation, workers at the port of Granadilla in Tenerife and the passengers themselves used protective suits, masks, and respirators. Video obtained by the AP shows people being treated with disinfectants after disembarking.