Risk to Europe from hantavirus outbreak on liner remains "very low" - ECDC
Kyiv • UNN
The risk of the Andes hantavirus spreading from the cruise liner to Europe is low. Passengers are expected to be evacuated in the Canary Islands wearing protective gear.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has published a risk assessment for Europe following a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, UNN reports.
Based on available data, the risk to the general European population remains very low, and large-scale spread is not expected. Any transmission is likely to remain limited due to the nature of the required contact, the infection prevention and control measures in place on board and during disembarkation, as well as subsequent follow-up
"The risk to the general public remains low. There is no need for panic or travel restrictions," WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Henri P. Kluge also noted in a statement on May 4.
At the same time, the ECDC published a brief overview of threats for Europe, which includes recommendations for passengers and crew of the cruise ship, as well as advice on handling passengers upon arrival at an EU entry point.
"Given the limited epidemiological information available, the long incubation period of the virus, and the potential for human-to-human transmission of the Andes hantavirus, precautionary measures should be considered, including the medical evacuation of passengers, crew members, and individuals in close contact with the sick who exhibit symptoms of the disease," the statement says.
The center also sent an expert to the cruise ship where the Andes hantavirus was detected. "Many uncertainties remain regarding the hantavirus outbreak, and it is important that we take a precautionary approach at this stage to reduce the likelihood of further spread. An ECDC expert is on the vessel to obtain more information and develop public health measures," indicated Dr. Pamela Rendi-Wagner.
"The virus has been identified as the Andes hantavirus, the only hantavirus that can be transmitted from person to person, usually through close and prolonged contact. Measures have already been taken on board to reduce the likelihood of infection among passengers and crew," the statement says.
It is reported that "significant uncertainties remain, and investigations are ongoing to determine where and how people became infected with the virus, as well as the extent of exposure among passengers and crew members."
The liner is currently heading to Spain's Canary Islands.
According to El Confidencial, although passengers are expected to arrive in Spain this week, the evacuation will officially begin only on Monday, May 11, as reported by sources in the country's Ministry of the Interior.
Spanish Health Minister Mónica García, after a meeting with the President of the Canary Islands Fernando Clavijo, indicated that the vessel MV Hondius will not dock but will only anchor in the waters of the Canary Islands. Passengers will be examined on board and will disembark only in protective gear for transportation or repatriation, without contact with the local population.